San Pablo Kindergarteners Complete Zoo Trip After Bus Crash

Kindergarteners from San Pablo Elementary visited the Jacksonville Zoo on Wednesday, five weeks after a bus crash derailed their original field trip and sent four students to the hospital.

Before heading to the zoo, the class stopped at Fire Station 37 to meet the crew members who responded to the April crash, when a bus was rear-ended while carrying the class. Four students required hospitalization; others sustained injuries that did not require transport.

The visit allowed students to see the firefighters and paramedics who helped them recover. Fire Chief Percy Golden II said reconnecting with people they helped on a positive day stands apart in emergency response work.

"We're used to showing up on the hard days," Golden said. "Being invited back for the happy one is a gift for our crews."

Principal Jennifer Brown said the day fulfilled a promise to students after the difficult morning in April.

"This was such a dream come true for our little kindergarteners," Brown said. "Not only did they finally get to experience the joy and wonder of the zoo, but they got to reconnect with the same heroes who supported them through such a challenging day."