Driver Involved In Berkley School Bus Crash In Court Monday

courtesy of Jim Smith at WBZ-TV

Courtesy of Jim Smith at WBZ-TV

BERKLEY, Mass. (WBZ-AM) — The driver of the car involved in a school bus crash in Berkley was arraigned in court Monday. The driver, Christy Gilpatrick, 27, was charged with drunk driving. Gilpatrick was ordered to be held on $2,500 bail, with a conditional release dependent on her ability to remain alcohol-free, submit to random testing, and attend 5 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.

The bus was carrying a group of 23 adults and children to Tiverton, Rhode Island from LaSalette Shrine in North Attleboro when it careened off the road into the woods, where it remained upright. 

“The people there said the bus rolled three times. The accident investigators are saying it didn’t,” Berkley Fire Chief Scott Fournier said. “Of course things can get juggled up.”

A maroon SUV, driven by Gilpatrick, also went off the road at the same time. She was arrested for second offense operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation. Gilpatrick's bail was set at $10,000 cash.

All individuals on the bus suffered injuries due to the crash. Two passengers were taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence with serious injuries. The driver of the car was uninjured. The crash was declared a mass casualty incident. 

The crash is still under investigation, including what role Gilpatrick might have had.

WBZ NewsRadio1030's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports 


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