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A Toronto Transit Commission bus in Scarborough, Ontario collided with a delivery vehicle killing one and injuring 13. Here are five fast facts you need to know about the accident, reports CBC.
1. One Person Has Died, Multiple Injuries Reported
The crash, that occured just after 11:30 a.m., according to the CBC, involved a cube-shaped delivery truck smashing into a Toronto Transit Commission bus, forcing it onto the sidewalk and nearly into the yard of a nearby home.
One female bus passenger has been confirmed dead by Toronto Police Const. Clint Stibbe.
Toronto Police Const. Clint Stibbe has confirmed one female passenger was killed in the crash. pic.twitter.com/hcdQuKMwkR
— Chris Doucette (@SunDoucette) August 13, 2013
A reported 13 people are injured and have been taken to a local hospital as a precaution. This number includes the bus driver, who had to be removed from the vehicle using the jaws of life. He is in good health, but wearing a neck brace. His wife has been notified and is meeting him at the hospital. Andy Byford, the TTC’s chief executive officer, did not release the driver’s name, but that “he’s been with [the TTC] for six years.”
Additionally, two passengers have serious but not life-threatening injuries, Kim McKinnon, spokeswoman for Toronto Emergency Medical Services told NewsTalk1010.com.
The crash, which occurred just steps away from a TTC bus shelter, wiped out a hydro pole. pic.twitter.com/dPrJCA6Fm6
— Chris Doucette (@SunDoucette) August 13, 2013
2. The Delivery Driver Was On His Cellphone, Says a Witness
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Reports coming in are saying that there were multiple witnesses at the scene of the crash. Andy Byford, the TTC’s chief executive officer, told reporters at the scene that he thinks they will “get to the bottom of what happened very quickly.”
One witness who spoke with Chris Doucette of the Toronto Star said that he saw the cube van cross into the on-coming lane just before the crash. Another claimed to have seen the driver of the delivery van on a cell-phone before the collision.
Witnesses claim the cube van crossed was eastbound on Steeles and crossed into the westbound lanes at Middlefield.
— Chris Doucette (@SunDoucette) August 13, 2013
Another witness, who is talking to cops now, claims he saw the truck driver on a cell phone when he crossed into oncoming traffic.
— Chris Doucette (@SunDoucette) August 13, 2013
"It sounded like a bomb exploded," said one man, who was driving on Steeles behind the bus when the impact occurred.
— Chris Doucette (@SunDoucette) August 13, 2013
3. The Crash Disrupted One of Toronto’s Major Suburbs
The incident took place at the intersection of Middlefield Road and Steeles Avenue in Scarborough, Ontario. Scarborough is one of the major suburbs of Toronto, located just half an hour outside the city.
Toronto Mayor Rob ford released a statement addressing the crash Tuesday afternoon:
“On behalf of City Council and all Toronto residents, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time. I am very saddened to hear about this tragic accident.”
4. The Accident Caused Downed Powerlines
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Powerstream, an Ontario energy provider, told 680 News that the crash caused power outages for nearly 5,000 local residents. Service is expected to return to normal later this afternoon.
Hydro crews are on the scene and have their work cut out for them as they make the power lines safe before repairing the damage.
— Chris Doucette (@SunDoucette) August 13, 2013
5. The Last Time There Was a TTC Crash Like This, the Driver Went to Prison
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A crash two years ago involving another TTC bus and a flatbed truck resulted in the death of 43-year-old Jadranka Petrova. The family sued the bus company in a $4.25 million lawsuit. The bus driver was arrested and charged with criminal negligence causing death and marijuana possession. The family’s lawsuit names the driver and the bus company.