Multiple passengers on an NJ Transit bus were hurt Tuesday after it crashed with trucks while traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, state police said.
The incident, which took place at around 7:30 a.m., involved a bus from the No. 139 line with around 30 passengers on board, operating from Lakewood to New York's Port Authority Terminal. The bus apparently collided with a Mack and a Freightliner as all three were heading north in the heavy rush hour traffic, according to police.
One rider told NBC New York that the driver of a cement truck cut off an 18-wheeler, leading to the crash.
"Our driver swerved and braked to avoid hitting one of the trucks but he couldn’t avoid it because it was right there," said passenger Janine Schultz. "Some people hurt their eyes, somebody hurt their check, people got their legs hurt, one girl was thrown out of her seat."
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The crash took place northbound near Interchange 13 in Elizabeth. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to open the bus and reach the battered and bloody passengers.
"I put my hands on the seat but it still wasn’t enough, my head still went forward and I busted my lip and my teeth hurt, my whole mouth hurts and my legs got banged up," said passenger Luisa Robles. "It was the loudest sound, my bag went to the back of the bus."
The bus is an older model and is not equipped with seat belts.
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Twenty-five people, including the bus driver, were transported to area hospitals, while four passengers refused medical attention. None suffered serious injuries, according to police, previously adding that the remaining passengers were accommodated by another bus to continue their trip.
An investigation is ongoing.
