Mass. school bus driver assaults witness to accident in Millis, police say

In Millis, Massachusetts, Mamdouh Abdelnour, a 63-year-old school bus driver, has been placed on administrative leave following accusations of assaulting a witness to a traffic incident. 

The incident occurred as Abdelnour was attempting a three-point turn near the intersection of Village Street and Pine View. Allegedly, the maneuver resulted in the bus hitting several trash bins and bushes. 

The aftermath of the incident led to Abdelnour being charged with assault and battery, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and improper turn.

Remarkably, despite the chaos of the accident, none of the 48 students from Clyde Brown Elementary School, who were aboard the bus at the time, sustained any injuries.

 However, in light of the situation, families of the students were advised to collect their children from the school rather than have them released onto Village Street, ensuring their safety.

During the process of reuniting students with their families, school staff, including Principal Tanna Jango and a school counselor, accompanied the children on their journey home, providing much-needed support and reassurance. 

Despite the disruption caused by the incident, all students were successfully returned to their families, with no reported injuries.

Authorities have commended the swift and coordinated response from both the school administration and emergency services, emphasizing the paramount importance placed on student safety. 

Chief Christopher Soffayer of the Millis Police Department expressed gratitude for the collaboration between all parties involved and reassured the public of their ongoing efforts to keep them informed of any developments related to the incident.

 This collaborative effort underscores the dedication of the community to ensuring the safety and well-being of its children in the face of unexpected events.