MILLERSBURG — Quick thinking by teachers, parent chaperones and members of the Millersburg Fire Department averted what could have been a confusing and panic-stricken scene after two Leck Kill Elementary School buses carrying about 60 children were involved in a crash Tuesday on Route 147.

According to state police at Lykens, an unknown vehicle stopped in the northbound lane of Route 147, just south of Millersburg in Dauphin County, because there was a piece of wood in the road. Behind the vehicle was a school bus driven by Suzanne Snyder, of Leck Kill. Snyder was able to stop her bus in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of her. But a second bus, driven by Shannon Snyder, of Herndon, could not stop and hit the first bus, police said.

There was a third bus on the field trip, but it was not involved in the 3 p.m. accident. The buses were returning from a field trip to Harrisburg.

“Everyone at the scene acted completely professionally in dealing with the kids, and I have to commend them,” said David Campbell, Line Mountain School District superintendent.

“I want to especially thank the members of the Millersburg Fire Department and in particular, Bill Speck, the former chief of the Millersburg Fire Department. He was outstanding in making sure everyone was safe,” Campbell said.

Although Campbell would not go into specifics about injuries, he said none was life-threatening. He would not say how many students went to hospitals.

State police did not release details.

When Campbell heard about the accident, he contacted Dr. Edward Dempsey, of Family Practice, which is located near the school. “He got four of his nurses and left his practice to help out,” the superintendent said.

“The kids were outstanding. Dempsey and his medical team were terrific. We arrived at the scene at 3:30 p.m. They checked everyone involved ... checked their eyes, ears, nose, throats. Everything. If there was any question about a more serious injury, the person was sent to a hospital,” he said.

“The parents at home were also extremely cooperative,” he said. “Obviously, when they heard about the accident, they wanted to be reassured, to touch their children. But I think having Dr. Dempsey on the scene calmed everyone down. It was a relief for them to know the doctor was in charge.”