Principal Killed in Freak School Bus Accident Pushed Students to Safety

An Indianapolis elementary school principal was struck and killed Tuesday by a school bus that jumped a curb, but she is being hailed as a hero for pushing several students out of harm’s way before being struck.

Susan Jordan, principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School, died at the scene after the bus struck her and two 10-year-old students at around 2:45 p.m., reports the Indianapolis Star.

The school confirmed Jordan’s death on its Facebook page,writing: “Our district has lost an amazing educator. Principal, Mrs. Susan Jordan, was killed this afternoon in a bus accident at Amy Beverland. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for all involved in the tragic events of this afternoon.”

The two students who were injured were rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and were in serious but stable condition, the Star said. No one was injured on the bus, which was carrying 25 students.

Eyewitnesses said Jordan saved several students from harm by pushing them out of the way of the oncoming bus.

Police were investigating why the bus jumped the curb. The vehicle had passed a Jan. 22 inspection conducted by Indiana State Police, the Star said.

Jordan, who had been principal of Amy Beverland for 22 years, was described as much beloved by her students. In a video posted to the school’s YouTube account last year, students, faculty and staff celebrated Jordan with loving testimonials.

The township school board released its own statement, which was posted on the Amy Beverland website, saying: “Susan was an amazing educator. She had a remarkable way of making everyone she came in contact with feel valued and important. She had a passion for children that is unmatched. The entire Lawrence Township Community mourns her loss and extends our sympathy to the Amy Beverland Community [and] the multitudes of people whose lives she touched.”

This article originally appeared on People.com