Details are sketchy but a school bus carrying Guy Benjamin School students hit a guardrail on Centerline Road near Ajax Peak on St. John around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

St. John Rescue spokesman Gilbert Grimes said “several” children were injured.

A release from the Department of Education, which notes that the department is investigating the incident, said at least five students were treated for injuries at the Myrah Keating Community Health Clinic.

The students were released from the clinic but were asked to schedule follow ups with the doctors for their injuries.

District Insular Superintendent Jeanette Smith-Barry said, “We are saddened to hear of this incident, and would like to assure parents that we will be looking into the matter and the extent of the injuries sustained by the students.”

Smith-Barry said the department is still waiting on details from the bus company and the school’s principal, but “will continue to stay on top of the situation to make sure this does not happen again.”

“I am particularly disturbed that no report was made to my office or even to the school in a timely manner after this incident occurred," she said.

According to Grimes, “The kids said the driver was on his cell phone.” He added that the driver allegedly slammed on his brakes and hit the guardrail.

One Ajax Peak resident who did not want to be named said he heard a very loud thump and then what sounded like a howl.

Smith-Barry urged parents of children on the bus that did not go to the clinic immediately after the accident not to delay in seeking medical attention or advice.

She also thanked former Guy Benjamin Principal Dionne Wells for checking on the students at the clinic after learning about the incident.

Smith-Barry added that the district’s school bus safety inspector was also dispatched to St. John Wednesday afternoon to begin the investigation.