GoFundMe account to aid family whose home was destroyed by school bus

They need help with medical expenses and with finding a new car.

A fundraiser has been set up for the family whose Forward Township home was condemned after being struck by a school bus Monday.

Joe Ferson and his family — his girlfriend, a 15-yearold, two 11-year-olds and their dog, Rex — have not been permitted to reenter the house, which has been condemned due to structural damage. They have been living in the Elizabeth Forward community for five years.

“It was crazy,” Ferson said. “About five minutes later, I thought we were getting bombed like World War III was starting. It was the loudest commotion I’ve heard in my life. It was like a freight train.”

Ferson’s foot and ankle were hurt, but the other family members were safe and unharmed. Emergency crews were called shortly after 3:30 p.m. to their rental home at 3206 Rainbow Run Road. Authorities shut down Rainbow Run Road in both directions.

“Their vehicle was totaled, and the house was condemned, leaving the family homeless and struggling to find a hotel that will allow them to keep Rex with them,” the GoFundme states. “The Fersons are deeply involved in their community. The family received a small amount of help from the Red Cross, but it wasn’t enough to secure stable housing or cover their ongoing needs.”

Police chief Ken Honick said the bus that hit the home was owned by Rittenhouse Bus Lines and is from out of the area. There were no children on board.

“He pushed a parked car at the residential home into the living room, and then the bus continued into the house with the car, ripping off the front porch,” Honick said. “It actually shifted the house off of the foundation, so there is not a scenario where they can really repair what’s going on.”

The Forward Township building inspector was at the scene of the crash, along with other local officials. The building was deemed unsafe, condemned and unable to be occupied.

The driver of the bus, who has not been identified, was transported by SouthEast Regional EMS to a local hospital and is not suffering life-threatening injuries.

The driver was distracted and traveling at an unsafe speed when he lost control of the bus, Honick added.

Rittenhouse Bus Lines, based out of 31 East End Road in Smock, is a full-service student transportation provider, according to its website. Its services include home-to-school and field trip transportation.

Carole Rittenhouse, the co-owner and treasurer/secretary of the company, said the bus line has safely transported students for over 74 years through their “quality drivers that provide excellent service,” to the school districts they serve.

“Regarding the school bus that went into the house on Rainbow Run Road on Oct. 6, the staff of Rittenhouse are working closely with the authorities in the investigation,” a statement from the company reads. “Due to the ongoing investigation, the Rittenhouse organization can not offer additional comment at this time.”

Tracy Hewitt, the owner of the house, said on Facebook that the crash was an “incredibly scary experience” for the family. She asked if anyone has availability in their houses in the Elizabeth Forward area or any renovation projects to reach out.

Ferson and his family urgently need support to cover hotel costs until they can find a new rental that accepts Rex. They also need help with medical expenses for Joe’s injury and assistance with replacing their vehicle so the children can get to school and activities.

“They are resilient, loving, and always give back to their community,” the GoFundme states. “Any help will go directly toward getting them back on their feet and restoring stability to their lives.”

The fundraiser, which can be found at https://www. gofundme.com/f/help-theferson- family-rebuild-after- bus-crash?cdn-cache=0, had brought in $1,305 of a $3,500 goal as of press time Thursday.