New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft credits Maine teens for bringing runaway bus to a stop

TOPSHAM, Maine — Two teenagers who helped bring a runaway school bus to a stop and called for help have been invited to the New England Patriots season opener.

Team owner Robert Kraft delivered the invitation himself during a Zoom call with Connor and Seamus Collins, who stepped in when the bus driver suffered a fatal medical event on March 14 in Topsham, Maine.

«You guys are unbelievable,» Kraft said Tuesday. «My team told me what you did, there. You guys really called an audible on that bus.»

The bus had 14 middle and high school students aboard. Connor, a 16-year-old student at Mount Aararat High School, is credited with steering the bus to a stop on an embankment. His 14-year-old brother, Seamus, a 14-year-old student at Mount Ararat Middle School, dialed 911. Others helped by rendering aid and flagging down passing vehicles.

Topsham police Chief Marc Hagan credited the students for their «deliberate action to save lives.»

The 77-year-old driver died at a hospital, according to Maine School Administrative District 75.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.