School bus hit by gunfire in Coatesville, Pennsylvania

COATESVILLE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- An investigation is underway after a school bus was hit by gunfire in Chester County on Thursday.

According to the Coatesville Area School District, a driver was transporting high school students when a bullet went through the windshield.

The gunfire rang out around 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Hope Avenue and Madison Street.

No one on the bus was hit and no injuries were reported.

"Students on the bus are safe, as is the driver, and police are on the scene. We are extremely grateful for the calm reaction of our driver and the support of police," the school district said in a statement.

The bus company, Krapf School Bus, tells Action News the driver called dispatch who then called the police. The driver then traveled about two miles away to the Westwood Fire Company, where parents and students were reunited, officials said.

"She kept those kids safe. She kept herself safe and she made sure that she got away from the situation like she should have," said Nikki Batt, who also works as a school bus driver.

As a result of the shooting, Thursday night's football game against Downingtown East High School was canceled.

Carmen Lemus, also a bus driver, was set to transport kids to the game.

"Hopefully it doesn't happen again, but in today's society and world, can we ever be too prepared for anything?" said Lemus.

Police have not released information on a possible motive for the shooting.

"No child should be subjected to gunfire on a school bus. This is an active, high-priority investigation," the Chester County District Attorney's office said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Coatesville City Police Department at 610-384-2300.

Read the full statement from Krapf School Bus on this incident:

"Krapf School Bus has been transporting school students for over 80 years. From the beginning, the safety of our passengers has been our number one priority. To that end, all driver and monitor candidates undergo thorough pre-employment background checks and rigorous training. The Krapf new driver training program far exceeds state requirements, both in the classroom and behind the wheel, as does our ongoing veteran driver training and recertification program.

Regarding the incident that occurred at Charles Street in Coatesville, PA on October 10, 2024. Our bus was struck by gunfire. Our driver immediately drove our bus away from the scene to a safe location. Our driver contacted dispatch who alerted the Police. Our bus was transporting students at the time of the incident. No one on the bus was injured. We are working closely with the local Police and the Coatesville Area School as part of the ongoing investigation.

Should you have further questions please contact Robert Jones of our Safety Department at 610-444-2030, ext. 2453."