Freetown School Bus Misses MBTA Train By Less Than a Minute

FREETOWN (WBSM) — The Freetown-Lakeville School Department is providing more information after a school bus carrying students was struck by a crossing arm at a railroad crossing on Tuesday and missed a passing commuter rail train by less than a minute.

WBSM obtained an email sent to parents from Acting Superintendents John Higgins, Teri Fleming and Kelly Steele that explained what had happened on the afternoon of March 25, just the second day of South Coast Rail commuter rail service.

The superintendents said Bus 17 was bringing home middle and high school students when it reached the Braley Road railroad crossing

“Following standard safety procedures, the driver brought the bus to a complete stop at the painted line to check for oncoming trains,” the superintendents said.

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“After determining it was safe to proceed, the driver began moving forward,” they said. “As the bus began to move and before it reached the track, the bells and lights engaged and the driver immediately stopped.”

The bus driver made sure it was safe to back up, and as they did so, the safety arm engaged and struck the top of the bus.

According to the superintendents, the train then passed through the crossing about 45 seconds after the bell and lights engaged.

They said no students or staff were injured in the incident, but that “counselors have been made available to provide assistance and ensure students feel comfortable and supported.”

“We have been in direct contact with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) regarding lines of sight and timing of the warning bells and lights,” they said. “Additionally, we are working closely with our transportation provider, First Student, to review all bus driver protocols related to railway crossings.”