TEANECK, New Jersey โ An 8-year-old Jewish girl was seriously injured when a rock was thrown through a school bus window on the New Jersey Turnpike on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The third-grader was struck in the head and is undergoing surgery following the incident near Exit 70A/B in Teaneck.
New Jersey State Police said the bus was carrying third-grade students from Yeshivat Noam in Paramus back from a field trip to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City when a rock the size of a baseball was hurled at the vehicle just after 2 p.m., shattering a side window and striking the young student.
State police described the incident as an โaggravated assaultโ and are asking anyone with dash camera footage or other information to contact the Troop โDโ Newark Station Detective Bureau.
Injury and Hospitalization
The 8-year-old was transported to a hospital in Hackensack, where she underwent surgery for a skull fracture, according to school officials and police. Yeshivat Noam confirmed that she is receiving medical treatment and that her family is being supported by school personnel.
Rabbi Chaim Hagler, head of school at Yeshivat Noam, said in a statement that the institutionโs priority is the health and well-being of the student and all pupils on the trip. โOur focus remains on supporting the injured student and her family, as well as ensuring the emotional health of our entire student body,โ he said, noting that counselors were made available to students in the aftermath of the attack.
Officials said there were no external markings identifying the bus as belonging to Yeshivat Noam, and police have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
Investigation and Response
Following the attack, multiple agencies including the New Jersey State Police, Bergen County Sheriffโs Office and local law enforcement began a thorough investigation. Police have not announced any arrests as of this writing, and the probe remains active. Authorities are seeking witnesses and any footage that may shed light on the circumstances of the rock-throwing.
Local leaders expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. Municipal officials have echoed calls for residents who may have seen the event to come forward.
Broader Community Impact
Parents and families connected to the school described the episode as traumatic and disturbing. Some parents said they were shaken by the attack but grateful that the injured child survived and is receiving care. โField trips are a highlight of the year and to think this happened on one is horrific,โ Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz said in a public comment.
Jewish community organizations in the region have been monitoring the situation closely. While motive has not been established, leaders emphasized support for the family and the broader school community amid ongoing concern over safety.
What Comes Next
State police continue to investigate and are asking for public assistance. Anyone with potential evidence, including video captured near the Turnpike at the time of the incident, is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
As the 8-year-old remains in hospital care, family, friends, classmates and community members are awaiting updates on her recovery and hoping for a full and safe return to health.
