24 people injured in NJ Transit bus crash at Port Authority.
On Thursday morning, a collision involving two NJ Transit buses on the ramp leading into the Port Authority Bus Terminal resulted in injuries to over two dozen individuals. The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Ramp 96, which connects the Lincoln Tunnel to the terminal. Port Authority spokeswoman Cheryl Albiez confirmed the details of the crash in a statement.
Emergency responders from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) reported that a total of 29 individuals sustained what were characterized as minor injuries as a result of the collision. As the situation unfolded, Port Authority Police and city emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where they remained to manage the situation and conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Witness accounts indicated that some passengers who were aboard an NJ Transit 135 bus, which was not directly involved in the crash, experienced significant delays. In response to the situation, the driver of that bus opted to drop passengers off on the street outside the terminal, illustrating the disruptions caused by the incident.
Port Authority officials noted that the delays into the terminal persisted for approximately two hours, but operations began to normalize by around 11 a.m. The traffic patterns and access to the terminal were affected as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene and assist those injured.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the specific circumstances that led to the bus collision. Port Authority authorities have committed to a thorough examination of the incident, seeking to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As commuter traffic remains a critical aspect of life in and around New York City, incidents such as this highlight the importance of safety protocols and the need for swift responses from transportation authorities. The Port Authority continues to manage bus services efficiently, but today’s events serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by public transportation systems in high-density urban areas. This incident underscores the necessity for ongoing assessments of safety measures and the effectiveness of emergency response procedures to enhance commuter safety.
As developments continue to unfold, updates on the investigation and the condition of those injured will be provided by relevant authorities.