Community steps up to help Tiverton bus crash victims

Thirty-five paper bags stood up on the counter at Macray’s Seafood while oil bubbled in the fryolator for clam cakes. Chowder, just prepared, had been scooped into as many Styrofoam containers.

TIVERTON – Thirty-five paper bags stood up on the counter at Macray’s Seafood while oil bubbled in the fryolator for clam cakes. Chowder, just prepared, had been scooped into as many Styrofoam containers.

The meal was free to the victims injured in the Berkley bus crash on Dec. 1. They are all members of the same extended family living in 12 different households, with many still recovering from their injuries.

“He went above and beyond,” Kellie Bourassa said of Macray’s owner Mike Napolitano.

Bourassa, of Tiverton, a friend of several of the victims, was fetching the food to deliver to the family. She organized the “meal train” shortly after the crash to ease a little of the victims’ burden during recovery.

She said many of the family members can’t drive, or even cook, due to their injuries. Some have small children who were also on the bus and injured.

“Their whole family support system is broken now,” Bourassa said.

Each day, Bourassa is out collecting donations in the form of food, cash and gift cards. Some local residents have dropped off items to her home. Local businesses have stepped up, too.

“My meal train just started rolling,” Bourassa, a mom of two, said. “I’m here to help in any way they need.”

Bourassa said some of the family members are still undergoing medical tests and procedures, and some will need surgery. They suffered injuries ranging from fractures and broken ribs and other bones, to more severe trauma including a crushed vertebrae and a scalp degloving. Many suffered concussions, in addition to psychological trauma.

“I’ve seen every bump, bruise and stitch,” Bourassa said. “Thank God, everyone survived that night.”

She said the victims were aged roughly 6 months to 60 years old.

“It’s just a miracle,” Bourassa said. “Even the children’s car seats ended up crushed. God was there that night.”

The accident happened on Dec. 1 when some 31 family members were in a school bus that crashed on Route 24 South in Berkley. A Warren, Rhode Island, woman was charged with driving under the influence and causing the crash when she lost control of her vehicle and entered the bus’ travel lane.

The bus, according to previous news reports, went off the road, over the right shoulder, and into the woods. Bourassa said the bus flipped several times. It was returning the group home to Tiverton following a trip to see the Christmas lights at LaSalette Shrine in North Attleboro.

Bourassa said she heard about the crash at home that night. Then she learned the extent of their injuries.

“I told God I’m going to see this family through this,” Bourassa said.

Tony Quintal, a pastor from South Carolina, is related to the injured family and known as “Uncle Tony.” He said he had just come to Tiverton to bury his brother David. Quintal is back in town and also trying to help.

He said what Bourassa has undertaken is “incredible. It’s hard to fathom the extent of what she’s doing.”

Napolitano, getting ready to fry up more than 200 clam cakes, said he couldn’t imagine what the family was going through. “You put yourself in their position.”

And he was glad to help, even on his day off.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” Napolitano said. “It’s Christmas time.”

Besides Macray’s, other businesses that have helped include the Tiverton Casino with a substantial donation, Tom’s Market, Papa Gino’s, Dominoes Pizza, Walmart, Hartley’s Pies, Gnarly Vines, Central Bakery and Stop & Shop, among others..

Those who would like to help the family can do so in a number of ways:

An account has been established at Rockland Trust to help family members who cannot work pay for utilities, mortgages, and medical expenses. Contributions to help the family can be made to: Route 24 Bus Benefit Fund, and sent to P.O. Box 203, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Visit Route24busfund.com for more information. There is also an online fundraising effort at https://www.gofundme.com/route-24-bus-disaster-breaks-family-support-system The fund has collected nearly $18,000 toward its $120,000 goal.

Quintal is looking for counselors to offer help pro bono to the victims. They can contact him at 864-986-9812.

A fundraising dinner will be offered at the Venus de Milo, 75 GAR Highway, in Swansea, on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $50 for adults, and $25 for kids ages 10 and under. There will be dinner, live music, dancing, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are available at the Venus or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/route-24-bus-fund-benefit-dinner-at-venus-de-milo-swansea-ma-tickets-53893068619

To help Bourassa keep her “meal train” going, contact her at 401-286-1933 or deliver items to her home at 349 Fish Road, Tiverton. Needed items include diapers, baby formula, groceries, and gift cards.

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com