MBTA Driver Pleads Not Guilty To Charges In Newton Overpass Crash

NEWTON (CBS) - The MBTA driver who crashed her bus and left it dangling over the Massachusetts Turnpike pleaded not guilty to obstruction of justice Tuesday.

Shanna Shaw was arraigned in Newton District Court in the May 18 crash that left 9 people hurt.

She was released on a promise to return to court for her next hearing in the case on June 24. Shaw, 43, also face charges of speeding and driving to endanger.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports

 

Prosecutors asked for Shaw's medical records from St. Elizabeth's Hospital where she was treated after the crash.

Shaw had no comment for reporters.

According to an affidavit released last week, Shaw told investigators she sneezed and that caused her to lost control of the bus.

Some passengers claim she was going too fast.

Eight people were hurt in the crash, which left the bus dangling over the Mass. Pike, May 18, 2014. (Andrea Courtois/WBZ)

Shaw initially denied having a cell phone, but during questioning at the hospital police heard a phone ring in her purse.

Surveillance video from inside the bus also showed the driver holding a cell phone.

Shaw later admitted she was moving her phone, not making a call or text, at the time of the crash.

The affidavit also stated that video reveals the driver going back onto the bus after the crash to get her phone off the floor.

The state suspended Shaw's driver's license last week and revoked her bus driver's certificate.

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