By Jerry Burke
The crash, which involved a small school bus, occurred about 3:40 p.m. directly in front of the parking lot next to the Franklin Square Post Office. Witnesses say a red truck traveling eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike hit the bus, also traveling east, in the rear.
"I heard a crash, turned around and saw the accident," said Herald salesperson Patrice Maresca, who was about to leave DiRosa Hair Salon, directly across the turnpike from the accident, when she saw the driver of the trunk pull backward from the wreck and then turn forward as he drove off eastbound.
"He hit the rear of the bus," said Maresca, "and took off while the bus sat there."
Thanks to Maresca and other witnesses, police were able to get a description of the driver and the car. Employees at the hair salon had quickly called police, who were at the scene within moments.
Nassau County EMTs arrived shortly thereafter and pulled out the driver and one student, both of whom were treated and released.
Meanwhile, Lynbrook Police stopped the driver, whose car showed considerable damage, a few minutes later near the corner of Penisula Boulevard and Hempstead Avenue. The investigation is continuing, but police would say an arrest was made. Charges are still pending.
