Idowu Daramola, bus driver in N.J., charged in crash that killed baby

(CBS/AP) WEST NEW YORK, N.J. - A bus driver in northern New Jersey has been hit with multiple charges after authorities say he was using his cellphone when he crashed, triggering a chain reaction accident that killed an 8-month-old girl Tuesday.

The driver, Idowu Daramola, 48, of Thornwood, N.Y., is charged with reckless driving, using a cellphone while driving and death by auto, authorities told CBS New York.

According to the station, authorities have not determined whether Daramola was texting or talking on the phone.

Authorities in West New York say the bus on struck a lamppost, which fell onto a stroller. The bus then hit a tree, another lamppost and a parked car, which struck three other parked vehicles.

Officer Michael Stetson says he found the infant, Angela Paredes, bleeding from the head and not breathing. She died on the way to a hospital.

In all, seven people were sent to hospitals.

As of late Tuesday, the baby's mother, Marilyn Paredes, remained hospitalized in shock with her husband at her side, the station reports. Neighbors said the circumstances of the tragedy are unacceptable.

"They are wonderful people. They deserve all our support," Vickie Cepeda, a friend of the family, said. "Someone needs to regulate those buses."

The bus was reportedly operated by Sphinx Transportation, which provides shuttle service between New Jersey and New York City. The company has not commented on the accident.

Daramola could face 10 years in prison if convicted of all the charges, the station reports. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday and is being held on $250,000 bail.