Six injured in Port Authority bus crash near campus

By Mike Macagnone

Six people received minor injuries after one Port Authority bus slipped on a metal plate and ran… Six people received minor injuries after one Port Authority bus slipped on a metal plate and ran into another bus at the intersection of Fifth and Thackeray avenues this morning.

Port Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie said a 500 bus slid on a plate that was sitting on the road as part of a construction project. The 500 hit a 67J, which was stopped at the intersection, about 9:30 a.m.

“In the bus realm it is mostly a fender bender,” Ritchie said. “Though even a small jolt – from a passenger standpoint – can cause injuries.”

He said six people who reported injuries were taken to local hospitals to be evaluated. That included one pregnant woman who was taken to Magee-Womens Hospital.

As per standard procedure, the driver of the 500 bus will be taken off duty – with pay – while the Port Authority Police investigate, and the driver will undergo drug and alcohol testing.

Port Authority Police, the city fire department and EMS responded to the incident. The buses drove away after people with injuries were transported to the hospital.