Multi-bus crash at Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC leaves at least a dozen hurt
The Port Authority Bus Terminal has reopened its express bus ramp after an accident that injured at least a dozen people and caused delays for the Wednesday morning commute in New York City.
The busy transportation hub remained open after the crash, but NJ Transit suspended bus service to the terminal and the ramp was closed for the morning rush. The situation also led to heavy traffic at the Lincoln Tunnel.
12 hurt in crash at Port Authority Bus Terminal
Port Authority Police said three NJ Transit buses collided around 6:15 a.m. It happened on the fourth level entrance ramp at West 40th Street and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan.
Twelve people were treated for minor injuries, and one was taken to the hospital for evaluation, according to police.
"One with moderate injuries that required extrication, 10 patients with minor injuries all transported to local area hospitals," FDNY Deputy Chief Jason Saffon said on the scene.
He said one of the bus drivers was among the victims.
Port Authority Bus Terminal delays today
The express bus lane ramp was closed for several hours, and bus traffic was rerouted to the upper level of the terminal. NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal.
First responders said the crash location, which blocked an inbound land of the Lincoln Tunnel, was a challenging spot to reach.
"We initially had some difficulty getting to the ramp, because it backed traffic up behind it, but we worked with the Port Authority Police to open up the exit ramp so that we could go up the wrong way and get our ambulances up there," said Saffon.
Commuters headed into Manhattan said it was slow going, and departure gates were also packed with passengers looking for alternate ways out.
"Just calling my work and letting them know I was going to be late, and I really didn't know what was going on," one person said.
"The gate that I was in was completely filled with people, most of them waiting. We didn't see any buses go by," another person added. "They were mentioning the ferry is now taking NJ Transit tickets, that kind of thing. But yeah, I think the best way out right now is probably going to be an Uber or a ferry."
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
