A grisly bus crash in Queens killed three people and injured 16 more early this morning. At 6:20 a.m., a private tour bus collided with an MTA bus at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Main Street.
Fatalities include a pedestrian, who was pinned under a bus and died at the scene. The other two – the tour bus driver and an MTA passenger – died at nearby hospitals.
"I’ve never seen an accident of this magnitude."
Of the 16 people injured in the crash, five were determined to be in critical condition and continue to fight for their lives in the hospital. The others are in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
"I’ve never seen an accident of this magnitude," a passerby told the New York Post. "The impact must’ve spun the bus around, A lady told me that the buses hit at full speed. They have the Jaws of Life out, so you know it must be bad,"
In addition to injuries sustained by the bus passengers, the crash caused serious property damage and a fire inside a nearby business. The collision also caused heavy traffic and delays, extending its reach far beyond those who were riding in the buses involved.
Who is legally responsible?
While authorities are investigating the accident, many people wonder who will be found liable for the crash. Investigators are searching for surveillance video and other evidence to help determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.
In accidents involving common carriers like buses, the bus companies and drivers often share liability. However, it is possible that other parties, such as other motorists, the city of New York or passengers played a role in the accident.
Anyone who has information about the accident should contact the authorities, and those who have experienced an injury or property damage should get in touch with an attorney
