HOWELL — Two people were hospitalized following a crash involving two school buses on Route 9 Wednesday morning.

No children were on board either of the buses involved in the crash on the southbound side near New Friendship Road around 8:45 a.m., according to Howell police.

Video shows both buses on the property of a Sonic Drive-In. One bus partially blocked a driveway coming out of the drive-thru while the other was partially on the sidewalk and grass on the side of the restaurant.  The engine hood of the later bus was bent upwards.

School buses involved in a crash at Sonic on Route 9 in Howell
School buses involved in a crash at Sonic on Route 9 in Howell (NBC 4 New York via The Lakewood Scoop)
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Photos posted by The Lakewood Scoop show heavy front-end damage to both buses and a black SUV heavily damaged in the back facing the wrong direction on Route 9

One bus had Jay's Bus Sevice written on the side and Durham School Services on the other.

Route 9 was closed as of 12:50 p.m. Wednesday. Traffic was backed up for nearly 4 miles starting at Route 195.

Howell police on Wednesday morning did not respond to New Jersey 101.5's request for more information.

The Lakewood Scoop was first to report about the crash.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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