By Amber Cox, Special Writer
MOUNT HOLLY — Results of the toxicology reports on the two drivers from the fatal February bus crash in Chesterfield Township have been released to the public.
Burlington County Prosecutor Robert Bernardi and Chesterfield Township Police Chief Kyle Wilson announced in a press release April 20 that neither controlled dangerous substances or alcohol were contributing factors in the accident that killed 11-year-old Isabelle Tezsla on Feb. 16.
The accident occurred just after 8 a.m. at the intersection of Old York Road and Route 528 when a school bus collided with a dump truck.
Isabelle’s two sisters, Sophie and Natalie, 11, were critically injured in the crash along with Jonathan Zdybel, 11. Thirteen other students were taken to the hospital for minor injures, but were released the day of the accident.
The truck, driven by Michael Caporale, 38, of New Egypt, hit the back driver’s side of the bus, swinging it around and wedging it between two poles. The bus, driven by John Tieman, 66, of Beverly, was just three stops away from arriving at the Chesterfield Elementary School at the time of the crash.
Blood analyses of both drivers were completely negative for alcohol and illegal drugs.
Mr. Tieman’s results did indicate therapeutic levels of prescription medicine that would not impair his ability to drive the bus. The investigation also confirmed the medication was prescribed properly by his doctor. The type of medicine was not released to the public.
The investigation continues to be ongoing, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office will not make a final determination as to file criminal charges until the National Transportation Safety Board issues its final report on the accident.
The Chesterfield Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police have issued citations for motor vehicle offenses. They are not criminal charges and will be heard in court after the determination is made as to whether or not criminal charges will be filed.
Mr. Tieman received a summons for failure to stop or yield.
Mr. Caproale was issued summonses for failure to secure container and failure to load tarp.
Additionally, the company that owns the dump truck, Herman’s Trucking of Wrightstown was given summonses for inadequate braking, exceeding gross weight, exceeding tire weight limit and over axles weight.
The Chesterfield Township Police is investigating the accident along with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police and the NTSB.
