MTA bus crashes into subway support in the Bronx, driver critically injured, 12 passengers hurt
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NEW YORK - More than a dozen people were hurt when an MTA bus crashed into an elevated subway column Thursday in the Bronx.
First responders said they treated the driver for cardiac arrest and hope she survives, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
The driver was traveling southbound on Boston Road in the West Farms section at around 8:15 a.m. when the bus went right into an elevated subway column.
Witnesses saw the crash and jumped in to help the bus driver.
"I'm screaming like, did anybody check if she's alive?" one witness said. "No one said anything."
The front windows of the bus were cracked from the moment of impact.
"I went to the bus, couldn't get the doors open. She got on the phone with 911. I'm checking her pulse. The cops came, the fire department came," the witness said.
New York City Transit is investigating exactly what went wrong. First responders said the driver suffered a medical episode either before or after the crash and went into cardiac arrest.
"The driver was treated for cardiac arrest. We're not sure, as your question is if it was traumatic or medical in nature, which will be identified by the hospital," EMS Division Chief Evan Suchecki said.
The driver's sister is also an MTA bus driver. We're told she was pulled off her route immediately to be by her sister's side at the hospital.
According to EMS, 12 passengers, including children, had minor injuries.
"I was happy she was alright," a child's mother said. "Just her leg bothering her."
"This lady, she had blood everywhere. This mas was all banged up," a witness said.
Transit officials said bus drivers are required to go for physicals twice a year. They said this driver passed her latest checkup in January and was deemed fit for duty on Thursday morning.
"Right now, I think our attention is focused not only on the investigation but the health and wellbeing of the 13 folks that were on this bus," NYC Transit President Richard Davey said.
Transit officials said there's no structural damage to the elevated subway infrastructure as a result of the crash.
NYPD: Bus driver suffered medical episode before crash
On Friday, the NYPD confirmed the driver of the MTA bus had an apparent medical episode, which caused the crash.
EMS: Bus driver treated for cardiac arrest
The MTA bus driver was treated for cardiac arrest, but it was not immediately clear if that caused the accident or happened after the crash, according to first responders.
"The driver was treated for cardiac arrest. We're not sure, as your question is if it was traumatic or medical in nature, which will be identified by the hospital," Chief Evan Suchecki said.
The MTA said the driver has 14 years experience and was deemed fit for duty on Thursday morning.
FDNY: 1 person critically injured
Streets closed, subways running
Officials: At least 13 injuries reported
Officials now say there are 13 patients, including one in critical condition.
The other 12 injuries are considered to be not life threatening. They have also been taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Chopper 2 over the scene
At least 2 injuries reported
A Bronx 21 bus slammed into a subway support pole on Boston Road near Bryant Avenue Thursday morning.
It happened just before 8:30 a.m.
At least two people were rushed to the hospital, though the extent of their injuries was not immediately.
The circumstances of what caused the crash weren't immediately known.