Montgomery County Man Dies In N.J. Bus Crash, Dozens Injured
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBS) -- A charter bus heading back to Philadelphia from New York crashed over night killing a Montgomery county man.
The accident happened on the southbound lanes of the New Jersey turnpike at the intersection at exit 9 in East Brunswick, NJ.
Sitting in the last seat in the back of the bus were two friends from Royersford, Troy Nguyen and Steven Mullahy. In a Facebook message, Mullahy told Eyewitness News reporter Elizabeth Hur:
"I had fallen asleep along with my friend. The next thing that I can remember is hearing a loud bang… I watched the bus driver try to gain control of the bus. I had blacked out. Then I woke up sitting cross legged on the side of the road."
Police say the driver of the bus was pronounced dead at the scene. The two friends along with 40 others were taken to the hospital where Nguyen later died.
Luan Nguyen, the victim's uncle said, "At this point, we're still trying to cope with the loss."
Back in Royersford, Luan Ngyuen described his nephew as a quiet and soft spoken 20-year-old whose parents are immigrants from Vietnam. Nguyen was the oldest of 3 boys and studying at Montgomery County Community College to become a web designer.
Nguyen's uncle said, "We'd like to know what was really happening but we don't know at this point other than what has already been reported."
Authorities say it could be weeks before they know what went wrong.
In the meantime., the Nguyens say Troy will be laid to rest next to his grandmother in Upper Darby.
In his Facebook message, Mullahy added:
"We respectfully ask that family and friends are allowed time to mourn our loss for someone who was truly a beautiful person, a beloved son, and one of the most amazing friends that I have had the privilege of meeting on the face of this planet."
Two people were listed in critical condition: Louis Pierre, 50, of Philadelphia, and David Choi, 70, of Lansdale. About 40 passengers had to be hospitalized.
Police said the bus was operated by Super Luxury Tours, based in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The driver was originally from Taiwan and lived in Queens.
Police are still working to determine exactly why the driver lost control, but reports from the scene say passengers thought the bus blew a tire.
Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio; Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
