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Boston Bus Driver Resigns After Fatal Crash Involving Child

A school bus resembling the one involved in the tragic incident parked on a Boston street.

News Summary

Jean Charles, a bus driver for Boston Public Schools, resigned before a scheduled termination hearing following the tragic death of 5-year-old Lens A. Joseph. The incident occurred as Charles was operating the bus without a valid state certification, leading to the child’s severe injuries and eventual death. Witnesses report confusion from Charles post-accident, while investigations are underway regarding transportation safety protocols.

Boston – A bus driver for Boston Public Schools (BPS), Jean Charles, resigned on Wednesday before a scheduled termination hearing following a tragic incident that led to the death of a 5-year-old boy, Lens A. Joseph. The fatal crash occurred on April 28 in Hyde Park shortly after Joseph was dropped off from school. At the time of the incident, he was crossing Washington Street with his 11-year-old cousin. Charles was operating the bus without a legally required state certification that had expired.

Witnesses reported that after the collision, Charles made statements that were unclear, indicating he might have thought he still needed to complete his bus route. Following the accident, it remained uncertain if he fully understood what had transpired during the tragic event. Approximately 20 minutes prior to the incident involving Lens Joseph, the bus Charles was driving struck two parked cars in Mattapan and allegedly attempted to leave the scene shortly after hitting the child.

Lens Joseph, a student at UP Academy in Dorchester, sustained severe injuries from the crash and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Charles had been with the BPS as a bus driver for two years, working through Transdev, the transportation contractor for the district. After the crash, he underwent drug and alcohol testing, which yielded no indications of impairment.

BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper expressed condolences for both Lens Joseph and a recently deceased student of the district. Skipper emphasized the need for support for the families affected by this incident. The Bluebird Type C71 electric bus involved in the crash had joined the BPS fleet in February 2023. On that day, Charles was filling in as a substitute driver due to an early dismissal at UP Academy following the April break, and notably, no bus monitor was present on board during the incident.

Transdev stated that they had informed Charles about the need to renew his expired certification but details regarding when this notification was communicated have not been disclosed. While the company has confirmed his employment and background checks, information concerning any prior incidents involving Charles while operating BPS buses remains absent.

In light of the circumstances surrounding the incident, city officials have initiated an investigation. Boston City Councilors are advocating for a thorough review of transportation safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community is pushing for justice and policy changes following the heartbreaking loss of Lens Joseph, whose aspirations included becoming a pilot or a police officer.

City Mayor Michelle Wu confirmed that following the crash, Charles was placed on leave pending further investigation. The focus remains on addressing the needs of affected families, and the district is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its students.