You may have heard that bus that crashed in the Bronx early this morning, killing at least 13 people, was headed for the Lower East Side. It was returning from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, on the New England Thuway, when a tractor-trailer struck the bus from behind. The World Wide Tours charter flipped over and hit a light pole. In addition to the fatalities, six passengers were hospitalized in critical condition.
According to news reports, the bus’s first stop was Allen Street near the Bowery. It was then scheduled to make additional stops elsewhere in Chinatown. If you think a friend or loved one might have been on board, city officials say you should call 311. You can also contact the 5th Precinct, located at 19 Elizabeth Street in Chinatown. The phone number is 212-334-0711.
UPDATE 3:50PM The New York Times adds more details this afternoon:
World Wide Tours (based in Brooklyn) was recently flagged by federal regulators for troubles with fatigued drivers, although its overall safety record was satisfactory, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The company’s buses were involved in two crashes in the past two years that resulted in passenger injuries, though details were not immediately available. In addition to chartered tours, the company offers inexpensive transportation between New York, Cambridge, Mass.; and Newton, Mass.; with perks like wireless Internet and power outlets.
