Jersey Shore Personal Injury and Employment Specialists

Multiple trucks involved in accident with New Jersey bus

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2020 | Truck Accidents |

A bus was en route to Ohio from New York when the driver allegedly lost control. Along a downhill curve of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the bus reportedly rolled over after careening up an embankment. The initial crash resulted in a chain reaction that eventually involved a passenger vehicle and three tractor-trailers. The bus belonged to a company in New Jersey. 

Two tractor-trailers hit the bus after it rolled over. A third tractor-trailer hit the other two trucks. The bus driver died in the crash, along with four other people. 

Over 60 people sustained injuries altogether. Two remain in critical condition. Nevertheless, doctors expect that all will survive. Staff at a local hospital reported treating bruises, scrapes and broken bones. Additionally, there were more serious injuries, such as spinal injuries and brain bleeds. Patients also experienced mental trauma from the experience. The hospital provided teams of psychologists to treat them. 

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash. The weather may have been a factor, but so far this is unclear. A witness reports little to no ice on the roads. However, she describes them as wet from snow. The crash occurred early on a Sunday morning along a mountainous stretch of interstate. Authorities closed the highway down in both directions for several hours thereafter. 

One of the victims who died was a 9-year-old child. Two others were co-drivers of one of the tractor-trailers. Many of the passengers on the bus were visiting from other countries. They lost passports and luggage in the crash. To complicate matters, many do not speak English. 

There is the potential for injury to many passengers in a bus accident. Those affected may wish to consult an attorney.