(The following story by Molly McCarthy appeared on the Star-Gazette website on March 22.)
ELMIRA, N.Y. — An Elmira City School District bus came within inches of a passing train as it stopped near a set of tracks along Lower Maple Avenue in Wellsburg this morning, school district officials said.
No one was hurt in the incident, officials said. No property damage was reported either.
The incident occurred when the bus driver approached the tracks and, as is required by law, stopped and opened the bus door and window to look both ways, said Kristin Butler, district spokeswoman.
Brush hanging over the tracks obstructed the driver’s view so she pulled up closer to see better, Butler said. It was then the driver saw headlights of a train approaching.
Backing up was not an option because several other vehicles were waiting behind the bus, Butler said. The bus, which was close to but not on the tracks, waited for the train to pass, then crossed itself.
The bus was on its way to Broadway Elementary and Middle School, Butler said. It was carrying two children.
The bus driver had the children move to the back of the bus while she remained in her seat as they waited for the train to pass.
Butler said that all indications showed the driver, a six-year veteran of the district, handled the situation appropriately.
School district officials are working with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Co., which operates the crossing, to discuss safety at the crossing.
There is a 20-second warning to vehicles that a train is coming, and district officials want to see if that time might possibly be extended, Butler said.
Butler said the children’s parents have been contacted, and that counselors are available to speak to them about the incident if they wish.