Driver of bus that killed principal considered a 'model employee'
Indianapolis police told IndyStar new information about a fatal bus crash at Amy Beverland Elementary School.
The driver of a school bus that jumped a curb and fatally struck the principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School on Tuesday showed no outward signs of impairment at the scene of the crash, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officials told IndyStar.
They also said investigators who inspected the bus Tuesday found no mechanical issues. The bus involved in the crash passed its Jan. 22 inspection conducted by Indiana State Police, records show.
Lawrence Township school officials said the unidentified had no history of discipline problems or moving violations and was considered a "model employee."
The crash that killed Amy Beverland principal Susan Jordan and injured two 10-year-old students is still under investigation. But officials gave new details Wednesday about the circumstances leading up to the crash — one city officials have called a "tragic accident."
IMPD Sgt. Kendale Adams said a preliminary investigation into the incident shows that before the crash, the bus was parked alongside other school buses that had arrived to pick up children around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Swarens: No greater love � the principal who gave all to her students
Adams said the bus, which was carrying 25 students, suddenly moved forward "for some unknown reason" onto the curb, hitting Jordan.
The driver told Indianapolis Fire Department officials that Jordan pushed several kids out of harm's way before being hit. She was later pronounced dead. Two students were taken to Riley Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives requested a blood draw from the driver, which is standard in fatal crashes.
"Nothing on the scene indicated the bus driver was impaired," IMPD Lt. Rick Riddle said.
Jordan, 69, was principal of Amy Beverland for 22 years. Shawn A. Smith, superintendent of the Lawrence Township Schools, called Jordan a "legend" at a Tuesday news conference at the school at 11650 Fox Road.
Schools in Lawrence are not in session Wednesday as students and staff mourn Jordan.
About 1,000 people remembered Jordan at a prayer vigil at St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church on Wednesday morning.
Star reporters Michael Anthony Adams and Madeline Buckley contributed to this story. Call Star reporter Jill Disis at (317) 444-6137. Follow her on Twitter: @jdisis.
