A driver asleep at the wheel crossed lanes and slammed into a school bus that was traveling to West Morris Mendham High School at just after 7 a.m. this morning, Mendham Township Police said.

According to police, a 2006 Hyundai driven by a 22-year-old Chester woman crashed into the full size school bus in front of Sammy's Cider Mill on Mendham Road West. 

An investigation by Patrolman Robet Wysokowski revealed the female driver fell asleep and crossed over the center line of the roadway striking the school bus as it traveled east, police said. The bus was transporting approximately twenty high school students to West Morris Mendham High School when the accident occured, police said.

According to police, the bus driver took evasive action, shifting position to the far right of the lane to avoid a head on collision. This action prevented injuries all on the bus, police said. 

According to police, the Hyundai struck the school bus near the driver’s front wheel causing significant damage to the Hyundai and it continued its movement coming to rest into a guardrail.

The driver of the Hyundai was transported by the Mendham Township First Aid Squad to Morristown Medical Center with cuts, bruising from the seatbelt and non-life threatening injuries, police said. 

"We expect her to be released this afternoon after some x-rays," said Mendham Township Police Lt. Vito Abrusci said. "But drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this crash, which is a good thing."

The Ralston and Mendham Borough Fire Departments responded and assisted in removing the driver from the Hyundai, police said. 

Chester Township Police Department at the scene as West Mendham Road remained closed until 9:30 a.m..

The Hyundai's driver was not released due to patient status and police said the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.