Girl suffers head trauma after fall from moving school bus

Authorities in Rutherford, N.J., say that the 16-year-old special-needs student opened an emergency hatch at the back of the bus, and they believe she either fell or jumped. Three other students, the driver and an aide were on the bus.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

January 4, 2013

1 min to read

RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A 16-year-old girl suffered serious head trauma on Wednesday after falling from the back of her moving school bus, according to a story on northjersey.com.

Lt. John Russo of the Rutherford Police Department told the news source that the bus was carrying the girl and three other students who attend a school for children with special needs. The driver and an aide were also on board.

Officials said the girl opened an emergency hatch at the back of the bus, and they believe she either fell or jumped. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

To read the full story, click here.

Other news on a similar incident:

• Special-needs student survives fall from bus on freeway

• District: Student’s fall from bus ‘could have been avoided’

Topics:New Jersey Special Needs Transportation

More Special Needs Transportation

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•May 1, 2026

The Most Common Wheelchair Securement Mistakes on School Buses (and How to Fix Them)

Small missteps in wheelchair securement can have serious consequences. Here are 32 tips from experts to reduce risk and increase student safety on the bus.

School Bus Fleet “On the Road” graphic featuring Maritza Valentin of AMF Bruns America inside a mobility equipment showroom in Ohio, highlighting accessible bus solutions.

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 23, 2026

Inside AMF Bruns’ New Showroom: School Bus Securement Solutions Explained

Go inside AMF Bruns America’s new Ohio showroom with Maritza Valentin to see its FutureSafe technology, driver training tools, securement systems, and seating innovations.

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 20, 2026

What AMF Bruns’ New Facility Means for Customers [Video]

Inside AMF Bruns’ new Stow, Ohio, operations: See how expanded space and innovation will enhance customer support and operations.

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

AMF Bruns national account managers Maritza Valentin and Jeff Algire at open house event

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 16, 2026

AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community

With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.

Exterior view of AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot facility in Stow, Ohio

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 16, 2026

Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Photos]

Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.

Boosting K-12 Attendance With Innovative Transportation Solutions

While the yellow school bus remains the backbone of student transit, 75% of administrators identify limited transportation access as a major driver of chronic absenteeism. This guide explores how districts are strengthening their fleets by integrating flexible, supplemental solutions to serve students with the most complex needs. Learn how a multimodal approach can bridge service gaps, restore attendance, and support your most vulnerable populations.