Report: Bus killed principal when driver didn't set brake

INDIANAPOLIS — A school bus driver whose actions caused the death of an elementary school principal got out of her seat without putting on the parking brake, according to a report on the crash from Indianapolis police.

The bus rolled forward, injured two 10-year-old students and killed Susan Jordan, principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School in Lawrence, Ind.

Bus driver Christine Beeler told police that Jordan died after she pushed the students to safety, prompting many to hail the principal as a hero.

Investigators did not find any mechanical issues with the bus and nothing on the scene indicated Beeler was impaired, according to the report. After the crash, Beeler was taken to an area hospital to have her blood drawn, which is standard procedure in wrecks involving injury.

Results of the blood test have not been released.

Hundreds mourn �hero� principal killed in bus tragedy

The crash report indicates that Beeler was distracted, but does not indicate what was drawing her attention away from her duties. Also unclear is whether Beeler remains employed by the Lawrence Township Metropolitan School District.

Officials called Beeler a model employee and said she has no disciplinary history. The Indianapolis Star was unable to reach Beeler by phone Monday for comment.

Whether Beeler will face charges is up to the Marion County prosecutor's office, said Capt. Richard Riddle of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Driver of bus that killed principal a 'model employee'

"(The incident) is still under investigation," said Peg McLeish, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office. "A charging decision has not been made."

Meanwhile, students at Amy Beverland have saluted their bus drivers with tributes on the school's Facebook page.

Contributing: Madeline Buckley, The Indianapolis Star. Follow Michael Anthony Adams on Twitter: @MichaelAdams317

Bus driver: Principal pushed kids to safety before being struck, killed