1 dead, 18 injured in New Jersey bus crash

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Two commuter buses slammed into each other in downtown Newark on Friday morning, killing a veteran driver and a passenger and injuring 17 others, including several critically, authorities said. John del Giorno and NewsCopter 7 above the scene:The bus driver who died has not been identified, but was described by the New Jersey Transit Police Department as a longtime employee.

The buses involved in the accident are the No. 5612, driving from New York City to Orange, and No. 5784, heading from North Arlington to Newark Penn Station.

Dramatic photos from the scene appeared to show one of the buses on its side and crushed almost in half. The Route 59 bus was empty, except for Barthelus. At least 19 people have taken to local hospitals.

Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said the investigation is a complicated process involving interviewing witnesses and passengers in addition to reviewing video.

Authorities are trying to determine whether one of the buses ran a red light.

“We have to make sure we clean up what’s happening down here and we have to clear the street and make sure business goes on as usual”, Baraka said.

An official with the National Transportation Safety Board said the agency is not investigating the crash. The employees got clean rags, the store’s first-aid kit, and water.

Two bus drivers who were near the crash stopped their vehicles when they saw it.

Of the 18 people who were injured, 14 were treated at University Hospital in Newark, Baraka said, including the female passenger who later died. “It was awful. We saw people with head injuries, leg injuries”.

One bus appeared to have T-boned another at Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street, Air11 showed as of 6:17 p.m. The bus that was struck is on its side, its frame bent and the other bus lodged in its undercarriage.