2 New Jersey Transit Buses Collide; 1 Driver Dies

Two New Jersey Transit commuter buses collided with one another on Friday, Aug. 19, in Newark, leaving one dead and dozens injured, some critically.

Multiple news outlets reported the accident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. on a major thoroughfare, the intersection of Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard. The crash was a classic T-bone accident, with one of the buses slamming into the other’s side, tipping it over.

While the exact circumstances of the collision were not immediately identifiable, it’s possible one bus driver disregarded a red light. The deceased individual was the driver of one of the buses, the Mayor of Newark announced.

As emergency responders swarmed around the crash site, a driver at the scene opined to regional news outlet PIX 11 that he felt the crash resulted from one bus driver attempting to stick to the bus schedule. The unidentified motorist commented, “It’s devastating. People just need to respect the road. Take your time.”

Photos depict a grisly scene, as accident victims were taken via gurneys and stretchers to medical facilities in the vicinity.

The accident happened in the same week that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and NJ Transit issued a joint announcement that there would be multiple changes to the gates for the bus line at the Port Authority’s Bus Terminal located in Times Square. These changes were due to issues surrounding drivers’ timely adherence to schedules, according to the Asbury Park Press. That marks the second time that changes were implemented in less than 12 months.

Those injured in mass transit accidents in New Jersey may wish to seek legal advice about pursuing defendants who may be liable for their injuries and other losses.

Source: International Business Times, “Newark NJ Transit Bus Crash Photos Show Horrific Scene As Driver Dies In T-Bone Accident In New Jersey,” Bruce Wright, Aug. 19, 2016