An MTA bus driver who drove off of an overpass in the Bronx has been suspended after he refused to take an alcohol and drug test.
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MTA officials made the announcement on Saturday after the 55-year-old driver decided to opt-out of taking an alcohol and drug test two days after the dangerous crash. Seven passengers were injured after the bus fell 50 feet onto the overpass near the Major Deegan highway. Investigators said speed was a main factor in the crash and the driver has a clean record prior to the accident. The Bx35 bus was driven at a speed between 17 to 35 miles per hour as it turned on a ramp near the Cross Bronx Expressway.
⚠️#BREAKING: NYC BUS HANGING FROM #BRONX EXPRESSWAY, PEOPLE INSIDE⚠️
📍Bronx, #NYC
Video shows the #bus hanging from the expressway as #fire crew and #EMS try to pry open the doors. Intense rescue taking place. pic.twitter.com/hvkqiUicbE— Intel Point Breaking News (@zachculpeper) January 15, 2021
The bus driver passed a breathalyzer test after he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to the Citizen App, the driver broke his jaw during the crash and helped first responders evacuate passengers off of the bus.
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Scene of incident involving Bx35 bus on University Av and the Cross Bronx Expressway late last night. pic.twitter.com/TXZTjdssCp
— Marc A. Hermann (@MHermannPhoto) January 15, 2021
The bus driver’s identity is unknown and officials say he will be indefinitely suspended without pay for refusing to take the drug test.