Brandeis Bus Crash: Read DA's, University's Full Statements

A shuttle bus carrying Brandeis University students back to campus from a hockey game at Northeastern University left one student dead and 27 others injured on Saturday night. The Waltham Police Department identified the student who died as Vanessa Mark. Authorities have not released any names of those who were injured, but both the school and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office released statements Sunday with new details about the horrific accident.

Here's what they had to say:

Brandeis University statement

"On Saturday at approximately 10:45 p.m., a shuttle bus contracted by Brandeis was returning to campus from a Cambridge and Boston route when an accident occurred on South Street in Waltham. We understand that local EMS transported 27 people, most of whom are Brandeis students, to area hospitals. We have been informed that one person has died; that person’s identity is not confirmed."

"Brandeis has notified students, faculty and staff of the accident; we are providing counseling and support to students and will continue to do so over the coming days."

Middlesex District Attorney's statement

"Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Waltham Chief of Police Kevin O’Connell have confirmed the ongoing investigation into a crash that occurred last night in Waltham involving a shuttle bus that was transporting 27 students from Brandeis University from a hockey game at Northeastern University."

"The preliminary investigation suggests that the bus crashed into a tree on South Street at approximately 10:32 p.m.  One student was pronounced dead on scene. The remaining 26 students and the driver of the bus sustained injuries of varying degrees and were all transported to area hospitals."

"The cause of the crash remains under investigation  by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Waltham Police, the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police Crash Reconstruction Section."

"No identities are being released at this time. No charges have been filed. The Waltham Police urge anyone who may have witnessed this accident or have any information to contact the Waltham Police Department at (781) 314-3600."

Brandeis University president's statement

"Dear Brandeis Community, I know that sadness over last night's fatal shuttle accident is rippling through our community today. We are all experiencing the shock of such a terrible accident, and everyone's recovery will take time.

The Waltham Police Department has identified the person who tragically died in the crash as undergraduate student Vanessa Mark. While Vanessa was currently on leave, she was living in Waltham and was an active and cherished member of the Brandeis community. We have been in touch with Vanessa's family and will continue to stay in contact with them in the coming days, and we will keep you updated about ways we will honor Vanessa's memory.

Given the tragedy that our community is experiencing, Provost Carol Fierke and I have decided that classes scheduled for Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 21 and 22) will be canceled. This will enable some students to return to family and friends sooner than the normal holiday schedule would have allowed. For students who will remain on campus, we will have additional opportunities to gather and receive support.

I want to reiterate the resources that are available for us to draw upon at this difficult time. Students can contact the Brandeis Counseling Center 24-7 at 781-736-3730. The Counseling Center will be open Sunday until 4 p.m. with grief counselors available; students are encouraged to drop in for support. The Dean of Students Office, the Office of Graduate Student Affairs, and the Center for Spiritual Life will be open Monday-Wednesday this week. Staff and faculty who may be struggling with this loss can get help through the Employee Assistance Plan. Most importantly, we all need to support and comfort each other.

Adding to the difficulty of absorbing such painful news is the fact that we all have many unanswered questions at this time. We have been working with Waltham Police as the accident is investigated and will continue to be in close contact with the department. Nothing is more important than the safety of our students, and we are committed to learning all that we can about how this happened. University leaders will continue to share information as we learn more.

In a few days, many of us will be gathering with family and friends; while this holiday may be difficult, it is my hope that spending time with loved ones will help us begin to heal. When we return from the break, I know our community will continue to come together in support of one another.

Sincerely, Ron Liebowitz"