SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

No mechanical issues found in school bus crash that killed principal

In the accident at an Indianapolis school, a stationary bus suddenly accelerated and jumped the curb, striking and killing a principal and injuring two students.

Nicole Schlosser
Nicole SchlosserFormer Executive Editor
January 27, 2016
No mechanical issues found in school bus crash that killed principal

Susan Jordan, the principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School, was struck and killed  while standing with a group of students during afternoon dismissal when a stationary bus suddenly accelerated and jumped the curb.

unknown node
3 min to read


INDIANAPOLIS — No mechanical issues were found in a tragic accident here on Tuesday, in which a beloved school principal was killed and two students were seriously injured when a school bus hit them.

At around 2:45 p.m. Susan Jordan, the principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School, was supervising the school’s dismissal and standing with a group of students when a stationary bus, which had a driver and about two dozen students aboard, suddenly accelerated and jumped the curb, NBC News reports. Two 10-year old students were also hit by the bus and listed as being in serious but stable condition on Tuesday night.

The bus driver, who was the normal driver for that route, was not injured, according to WTHR. She told the news source that as soon as the accident happened, Jordan pushed children out of the way before getting struck by the bus herself.

A preliminary investigation into the incident shows that the bus that hit Jordan had suddenly moved forward onto the curb “for some unknown reason,” Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Sgt. Kendale Adams told IndyStar. The bus was parked with other buses that had arrived to pick up students. District officials told IndyStar that the driver had no history of discipline problems or moving violations and was considered a "model employee."

IMPD Lt. Rick Riddle told IndyStar that there was no evidence at the scene that indicated that the bus driver was impaired. Adams added that investigators who inspected the bus did not find any mechanical problems.

Jordan had been principal of the elementary school for over 20 years, according to a biography of Jordan posted on the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township's website. Shawn A. Smith, superintendent of the Lawrence Township Schools, called Jordan a "legend" at a Tuesday news conference at the school, according to IndyStar.

The school district canceled classes on Wednesday to mourn Jordan’s death, and provided a list of locations where emotional support for staff members and families would be available.

The board of education released a statement on Tuesday about Jordan’s death, expressing its condolences to the family and school community.

“Susan was an amazing educator,” the statement read. “She had a remarkable way of making everyone she came in contact with feel valued and important. She had a passion for children that is unmatched.  The entire Lawrence Township Community mourns her loss and extends our sympathy to the Amy Beverland Community [and] the multitudes of people whose lives she touched.”

Teachers and students had created a thank you video for Jordan last May. Students hold up signs that describe Jordan as "friendly," "smart" and "inspirational."

Ad Loading...

 



Meanwhile, Gov. Mike Pence visited Amy Beverland Elementary on Wednesday and tweeted to his followers, “Please keep the students, faculty & entire community in your prayers.”

More Safety

Promotional graphic for a new Pro-Vision AI camera system. The image shows a monitor displaying camera views with AI object detection overlays, along with multiple cameras and recording hardware. Text reads "New Product," "Pro-Vision," and "Visibly Better." School Bus Fleet logo appears in the lower-right corner.
SafetyJune 11, 2026

Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System

The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.

Read More →
A New York school bus in the street.
Safetyby Elora HaynesJune 9, 2026

N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students

New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.

Read More →
Graphic for an opinion article on illegal school bus passing. A school bus with its stop arm extended is stopped as children cross the street, while a black SUV drives past. Headline reads, “America’s School Bus Blind Spot.” School Bus Fleet branding appears in the corner.
SafetyJune 8, 2026

America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse

Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of a school bus on a New York street and text reading "Legislative Roundup May 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesMay 29, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate

Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.

Read More →
hopskipdrive whitepaper
SponsoredMay 26, 2026

The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation

Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.

Read More →
Emergency response personnel assist participants evacuating through the rear emergency door of a yellow school bus during a hands-on safety training exercise at Prosper ISD. Smoke fills the bus interior as responders demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 21, 2026

Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas

Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
BusPatrol cameras on the side of a school bus.
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsMay 6, 2026

Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards

After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.

Read More →
A group of people in business attire pose for a photo in front of a school bus, with text reading "Legislative Roundup: May 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesMay 6, 2026

School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes

From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
Graphic with part of a school bus and text reading "Fatal Accident in Brooklyn."
Safetyby StaffMay 5, 2026

9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection

A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "2026 Safety & Operations Report" with an image of the cover of the report.
Safetyby StaffMay 4, 2026

Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes

The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.

Read More →