It happened around 9:30 a.m. at Central and Long avenues in Hillside.
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The van was operated by Township of Hillside Senior Center and was carrying 12 passengers.
The victims were transported to area hospitals with apparent minor injuries or as a precautionary measure.
The bus was unable to be immediately moved due to live electrical wires from the utility pole laying on the bus.
"The driver, he's very good, very well-versed in what he does, and he was able to avoid hitting the transformer as he hit the pole," Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese said. "So, you know, they hit the pole, but we avoided the transformer. We evaded any possible risks of electricity. As far as we know, everybody still has power, and the health of our seniors is still good."
Authorities say the preliminary investigation determined the driver of a Hyundai sedan ran the stop sign at Long Avenue as the bus was traveling south on Central Avenue.
The car then struck the rear right side of the bus near the bumper, causing the bus driver to lose control and strike the nearby utility pole.
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There were no injuries to the driver of the Hyundai.
The crash remains under investigation.
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