Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“My heart is breaking for the children and families from the Paramus community involved in today’s horrific bus crash. On a day when students from East Brook Middle School should have been enjoying their class trip, instead, they experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. As a father, I am praying for every parent, child, teacher, friend, and administrator, and I know that we will all be hugging our kids extra tight tonight. I join the Paramus community as they come together to support all of those affected in this tragedy — especially the two families who lost loved ones today.

“Thank you to all of the first responders who responded quickly to help students, care for victims, and investigate how such a horrible tragedy could happen. I am grateful to the doctors and nurses — including those at Atlantic Health System in Hackettstown — caring for patients throughout the region.

“I will stay in touch with Paramus Mayor LaBarbiera, Paramus Council President Tedesco, State Senator Lagana’s office, the Governor’s office, and all those coordinating emergency response, offering any help that I can. My office has also been in touch with the NTSB.”