CHESTERFIELD, N.J. (AP) - A dump truck collided Thursday with a bus carrying elementary schoolchildren, killing an 11-year-old daughter of a state trooper and critically injuring three other students - two of them the triplet sisters of the dead girl, law enforcement officials said.
The accident occurred just after 8 a.m. at a four-way intersection in the town of Chesterfield, south of Trenton. It sent the bus, which was carrying 25 students, crashing sideways into a traffic signal pole, crumpling the side. Police said a total of 17 students received injuries, most of them minor.
Law enforcement officials identified the father of the triplets as Trooper Anthony Tezsla. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release any identities.
At a news conference, local police confirmed the girl who was killed was a trooper's daughter but would not identify her.
Cooper University Hospital in Camden, which has a trauma unit, identified the critically injured as Sophie and Natalie Tezsla, both 11, and Jonathan Zdybel, also 11.
Students with less serious injuries were taken to three other hospitals.
Chesterfield police Chief Kyle Wilson said the bus had a stop sign while the dump truck had a flashing yellow light. He said it was not clear whether the bus was attempting to cross the intersection or turn when the collision happened. The dump truck ran off the road into a grassy area.
No charges were filed. Police said the investigation was not complete.
A boy being taken from the scene by his mother told the AP "this big truck just came and slammed right into us." His mother did not want his name used.