SUV Driver in Thursday's Crash With Galloway School Bus in Stable Condition

The driver of the 1997 Ford Explorer involved in an with a Galloway Township school bus late Thursday afternoon is in stable condition, representatives from Cooper University Hospital said Friday afternoon, March 30.

Peter Walker, 50, of Galloway Township, was taken by helicopter to Cooper University Hospital in Camden following the collision at Moss Mill and Old Port roads at 3:37 Thursday afternoon.

The school bus was carrying 30 children from at the time, and 18 of them were taken to local hospitals for minor injuries. All children have since been released, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette Giaquinto confirmed.

The Galloway School District posted a statement concerning this and an accident involving a school bus carrying children, on its website Friday afternoon.

"Please be assured that the safety of children is of our utmost concern," the statement reads, in part. "Our district will continue to work with the bus company to ensure that all children are transported to and from school in a safe manner. We also ask that families remind their children to follow the bus rules. Additionally, all drivers need to be aware of the rules of the road and the importance of careful driving, especially around school buses and school sites."

According to the statement, injuries to students involved in Thursday's crash included a fractured clavicle, cuts in which one student needed stitches and another needed "glue," and a concussion.

Giaquinto also stated that a witness driving behind the bus said the bus came to a full stop before proceeding through the stop sign.

Giaquinto went on to say in the statement that the bus route for five Smithville School buses, including the one in the accident, have been changed, effective today. Whereas buses used to make a left turn onto Moss Mill Road from Old Port Road, buses will now make a right turn, with a different route home. Further changes will be made if necessary once the school district obtains more information from the police.

Giaquinto also addressed the age of the bus driver in Friday's accident. Jennifer McDonald, of Egg Harbor City, is 21 years old, the required age for an individual to obtain a commercial driver's license and drive a bus, Giaquinto said.

Giaquinto can be reached with questions and concerns at 609-748-1250, ext. 1016, or via email at giaquintoa@gtps.k12.nj.us.

The accident remains under investigation by . Any witnesses are asked to contact Officer Kevin Costa at 609-652-3705, ext. 086.