One of the vehicles was broken almost in half.
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Two people have been killed and 17 others are injured after two buses collided in New Jersey. The No. 13 bus driver, who officials identified as 35-year veteran driver James Roberts, survived the crash, officials said.
The Essex County prosecutor is investigating the crash. Both drivers were in good standing with the transit agency, Martin said. Roberts was treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries and then released. “Our organization is in mourning today”.
Barthelus was driving an empty bus from the Ironbound garage to start his route at Lincoln Park in Newark.
One bus was on its side and almost split in half.
Rescue workers used ladders to get passengers out of the bus, carefully lifting stretchers thorough broken windows.
“We’re praying for all of those in the hospital”, Mayor Ras Baraka said.
Investigators were trying to determine if the driver who died ran a red light, Baraka said. The crash occurred at the intersection of Broad St. and Raymond Blvd.
NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder said earlier seven people were in critical condition.
Baraka said Barthelus had left the Ironbound section of Newark to begin his regular run on the 59 Line.
“We believe all of those passengers will be OK”, said Trucillo.
Petrain says she saw people with head and leg injuries.
Shortly after 6 a.m. today, August 19, a NJ TRANSIT bus – the 59 line to Westfield – collided with the 13 bus which was traveling from Irvington to Belleville. The intersection of Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard eventually reopened in the late afternoon.
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The junction where the crash occurred was the first in the state to have a surveillance camera to catch drivers running red lights.
