SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Police have charged the bus driver from a commuter bus crash on Feb. 25 that seriously injured two people with assault by auto.
Jamal L Penten, 30 of, Lakewood, surrendered at South Brunswick Police Headquarters on Feb. 29, according to Chief Raymond Hayducka.
The South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau determined Penten was driving the bus recklessly at the time he struck a line of vehicles on Route 130 at 6:30 a.m. The investigation allegedly determined he was headed along Route 130 south at 50 mph in 2012 a Suburban Transit – Coach USA bus, police said.
Police allege he became distracted for more than 1,000 feet prior to the collision and failed to reduce his speed, brake or take evasive action.
He impacted the first vehicle at full highway speed prior to applying his brakes, police said. He traveled another 200 feet and struck a total of nine vehicles which were stopped or slowing for the red traffic signal at Friendship Road. Accident investigators determined, that for at least 10 seconds prior to the crash, this driver allegedly was not looking at the highway in front of him while going 50 mph.
The Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, Cranbury First Aid Squad, Monroe EMS along with paramedics responded to the scene. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate two drivers.
Three of the most serious injured were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick: a 61-year-old female from Princeton was listed in serious condition with a fractured pelvis and ribs; a 35-year-old male from Brick was listed in serious condition with a fractured back; and a 42-year-old male from Dayton was treated for a head laceration and released, police said. The 35-year-old and 61-year-old remained in the hospital as of Feb. 29, according to police.
Four other drivers were transported to area hospitals. Two drivers refused medical attention, according to police.
“This crash only highlights the dangers of distracted driving. Drivers have a responsibility to focus on their driving. This crash was preventable,” Hayducka said.
Traffic investigators conducted a dozen interviews and reconstructed the crash scene as part of the investigation. The New Jersey State Police Commercial Vehicle Inspection Unit examined the bus, officials said.
In addition to the criminal charge of assault by auto, Penten was charged with reckless driving, following too closely and obstruction of traffic. He posted $2,500 bail and was released pending his first court appearance.
Hayducka offered special thanks to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police for their assistance with the case.