MBTA Police Believe Criminal Charges Warranted For Driver Of Medford Bus Crash

MEDFORD, MA — The Transit Police said criminal charges against the driver of one of its buses is warranted after completing an investigation into a crash that took place on Sunday, March 8.

The bus collided into the front steps of the two-and-a-half-story home owned by a 98-year-old resident on 43 Playstead Road at approximately 1:45 a.m. and came to a stop just in front of her front window. According to an accident reconstructionist from the department’s Crime Scene Services, the 40-year-old male driver of the vehicle failed to remain within prominently displayed marked lanes by crossing over the double yellow line and at times straddling the double yellow lines, failed to stop for a red light at the Interstate 93 off ramp on the Somerville and Medford border. Transit police also told Patch they believe he exhibited signs and body language consistent with being drowsy or possibly asleep during the lead up to the collision, and that the brakes were not applied as the bus crashed into the home and multiple parked cars. However, they do not believe alcohol or drugs were the cause of the driver’s potential lethargy.

“The ambient temperature during the relevant period was between 49 and 51 degrees and officers did not observe any ice and/or icy conditions on the roadway,” MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan told Patch. “As such we are seeking criminal complaints issued in Somerville District Court for the following violations: Negligent Operation of a MV, Marked Lanes Violation and Failure to Stop at a Red Light.”

Transit police said the driver has since been suspended from his job. His identity has not been made public.

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