WEEHAWKEN — A bus driver has been ticketed after two NJ Transit buses headed into Port Authority Bus Terminal collided in the Lincoln Tunnel on Monday, injuring 44 people, according to several media reports.
Port Authority Superintendent Michael Fedorko said a bus in the left lane made a quick shift into the right lane, and the bus coming up behind did not have time to stop.
Authorities say a bus on the 127 line from Ridgefield with 33 passengers on board rear-ended a bus on the 128 line from North Hudson Park in Fairview just before 9 a.m. The second bus was full, with 56 passengers on board.
First responders set up a triage area outside the tunnel, where they were better able to treat the injured. Officials say 34 people refused medical attention.
Ten passengers were taken to area hospitals, with the most significant injuries being a broken jaw and broken arm. One of the passengers had a preexisting brain injury that resulted in a seizure.
All lanes in the center tube were temporarily closed as a result of the crash. Both buses were removed by 10:25 a.m., but motorists heading into New York City faced major delays of up to two hours.
Three summonses were issued to the driver in the first bus for improper lane change, careless driving and unsafe lane change.
The Port Authority says 42 million vehicles use the tunnel every year.
Our Digital Archive from 2000 – 2016
