Authorities have reported that William Pena, an MTA bus driver, was killed and two people were critically injured when a New York City bus and a box truck collided in Greenwich Village. Fire officials say two other people suffered minor injuries in the bus accident, which occurred around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday at 14th Street and 7th Avenue. It wasn’t immediately known how many people were on the bus.
Mr. Pena, who had been driving a bus for more than 17 years, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fatal accident. The violent collision and senseless death appear to have been the result of a police chase. The police were reported to be pursuing the box truck, which was stolen. The box truck was desperately fleeing the police when it rammed into the bus operated by the unwary Mr. Pena. The thunderous collision – – reported by one witness as resembling an earthquake – – sent both vehicles onto the sidewalk, crashing into scaffolding that collapsed and fell into a 12-story commercial building.
It is surprising that more damage was not done during this catastrophic accident. Police arrested the operator of the box truck immediately. His name has not yet been released but you can be sure that he will feel the wrath of the new initiatives that Mayor DeBlasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton have outlined to reduce traffic fatalities.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of William Pena. We hope they will find the strength to get through this difficult period.
The investigation into this terrible tragedy is underway. The family of Mr. Pena deserves answers. They also deserve justice, but nothing will bring their loved one back and that is heartbreaking.
The personal injury trial lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have a long and proud history of helping seriously injured victims. With well over $700,000,000 in verdicts and settlements, these lawyers have the track record that insurance companies respect and fear. To learn more about Block O’Toole & Murphy, please see the firm website at www.blockotoole.com. For a free consultation with these serious personal injury trial lawyers, you can call 212-736-5300.