A school bus with students aboard struck a utility pole in Morris County, causing live power lines to fall on the bus.

The crash in Long Hill occurred around 8:30 a.m. Monday. Investigators say the bus driver lost control while trying to make a left turn, though it's still not clear why that happened.

Authorities say eight students - ranging in age from 8 to 11 - were aboard the bus. The children and the driver remained in the vehicle until power to the lines was turned off and they could be safely evacuated a short time later.

“We advised the children to remain seated and not to touch any metal objects in the bus, keep their hands on the seats themselves and stay away from the windows,” said Long Hill Police Chief Ahmed Naga. “There was no real immediate danger for them at that point so we waited for the arrival of the power company which was already en route."

The crash caused hundreds of utility customers to lose power for a time.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.