A bus carrying 50 people from New York City’s Chinatown to Atlantic City crashed into two other vehicles and then smashed into a retaining wall on Thursday morning, injuring 24 people, according to the Associated Press.
The bus accident also injured the driver, who was thrown through the windshield and then run over by the runaway bus. The driver underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition late Thursday. The bus was less than two miles from its destination at the Tropicana Casino and Resort at the time of the accident. The crash happened about 11:30 a.m. on Route 40, known locally as the Black Horse Pike, one of three main entryways to the gambling mecca. Police report that the bus was unable to stop as it approached a traffic light at the bottom of a curving bridge over the Great Thorofare. It is not yet known why the driver was unable to stop.
The bus plowed into two vehicles before swerving to avoid hitting others. It crashed into a retaining wall, which prevented it from careening into the water. The front of the bus suffered heavy damage. Twenty-three passengers were transported to the hospital, including one in critical condition.
The bus is owned by the Sun Lee Bus. Co. of New York City. State inspectors are expected to examine the bus to see if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident. Those involved in a New York bus accident should contact an injury attorney to discuss their rights. Bus accidents can be complex cases, involving multiple victims, busing regulations and in-state or out-of-state drivers, owners, bus maintenance contractors and insurance companies. Motorists who are involved in an accident with a bus often face very serious or fatal injuries similar to those caused by New York trucking accidents.
A thorough investigation will be necessary to determine the cause of the crash in this case, which could include operator error or inexperience, defective brakes or other equipment, poor maintenance or other negligence on the part of the busing company.
Read the New York Post article.
Read the New York Daily News article.
The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose represent clients injured in New York City and the surrounding areas, including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland counties. Call 718.261.0549 to discuss your rights.
