A group of garbage collectors working nearby are being hailed as heroes for racing to the scene and helping to get the kids off the bus.
Several balloons began the process of inflating on the grounds of Solberg Airport in Readington on Friday. Ultimately more than 100 balloons from 25 different states and Canada will ascend and take to the skies through Sunday.
The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America and a premiere family entertainment attraction in New Jersey.
The officers spotted the vehicle, stopped on the shoulder of eastbound Route 22, just after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.