RIPTA bus crashes into building in Warwick

January 25, 2016 7:31 pm

By News Staff

Reporting by Samantha Fenlon

A RIPTA bus smashed through the front of an auto shop on Post Road Monday night sending three people to the hospital.

Authorities told ABC 6 News that the two passengers and the driver were not in life-threatening condition when they were transported to the hospital.

Fire crews says it took about an hour to get the people out from the bus.

"It took a lot of manpower, a lot of shoring, and a lot of extra extrication equipment. We reached out to surrounding cities and towns to help us out with that effort," said Warwick Fire Chief, Jim McLaughlin.

The owner of The Drivers Seat said the bus came careening inside and stopped about six feet from where he was sitting.

"It was literally in the blink of an eye. We were looking at the computer, looked up, and saw a bus coming in, and we dived for our lives," said owner, Manual Rosario.

Police say the accident began down the road when the bus hit a pole which snapped in half. Another car then hit that pole, sending it into the air. The bus ultimately landed inside 1190 Post Road.

"We don’t know yet whether the driver had a medical emergency or something else," said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, who is also chair of the RIPTA board.

Officials say the driver is a veteran with RIPTA. The bus was removed Monday night, shortly after the roof of the building collapsed.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact Warwick Police.