Last week, more than a dozen people were injured following a collision between a tour bus and two trucks on the New Jersey Turnpike. The bus accident is the second such crash on the Turnpike this year. However, unlike the first, the most recent accident does not appear to be the result of the safety deficiencies of the tour bus company or driver. Although police continue to investigate the New Jersey accident, they currently believe that it was just that – an accident.
According to police reports, the bus crash took place shortly before noon, as a tour bus traveling from Brooklyn, New York, to Washington, D.C., was driving south on the New Jersey Turnpike. As the bus neared South Brunswick, traffic suddenly came to a halt. The 52-year-old bus driver was unable to stop the vehicle in time, and collided with two large trucks that had slowed for traffic.
The bus then became wedged between a guardrail and the back end of a truck, injuring several of its 55 passengers. The bus driver suffered the most severe injuries, and was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he was treated for broken bones and internal bleeding. He passed away two days later. Nine bus passengers were also taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, one of whom was declared to be in critical condition. Other passengers suffered bumps, bruises, and other minor injuries.
According to the American Bus Association, the tour bus company involved in the crash has a stellar safety record, unlike companies involved in recent accidents. The driver, who has driven for the company for 12 years, also has a good driving record.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a New Jersey tour bus accident, please contact Breslin & Breslin for a free consultation.
Source: The Star-Ledger, “Bus driver dies from injuries suffered in crash on N.J. Turnpike in South Brunswick,” Sue Epstein, Aug. 26, 2011
