Major Injury Collision - RTA Bus vs. Vehicle

Riverside, Ca- On Sunday, April 16, 2006 at 6:06 pm an RTA bus driven by a 47-year-old male employee was headed north on Chicago approaching 3rd Street in the #1 lane of traffic while several vehicles were stopped for the red light ahead. The driver of the bus, for an unknown reason, was unable to stop the bus in time to avoid a collision with a 1991 Dodge Colt stopped in the # 1 lane. The Dodge in turn struck the 2002 Toyota Camry in front of it. The collision caused a chain reaction that also struck a 1997 Oldsmobile that was stopped in the #2 lane next to it.

Riverside Police and Fire were called to the scene by a witness and the Fire Department began working on freeing the 38-year-old male who was trapped inside the 1991 Dodge Colt. They utilized the “Jaws of Life” and successfully extricated the man from the vehicle. He was taken to Riverside Community Hospital by Paramedics and treated by the Emergency Room staff.

The 38-year-old man was diagnosed with a fractured sternum, facial lacerations and multiple contusions. His condition is serious, but stable and he was admitted.

There were 3 occupants in the 2002 Toyota Camry who were not injured.

The 34-year-old female driver of the 1997 Oldsmobile had a minor complaint of pain, but was not taken to the hospital.

The Riverside Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team was called to the scene and the collision is under investigation. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Joe Avila at (951) 826-5577.