Bus Hits 9 Cars on Rt. 130 in South Brunswick

South Brunswick, NJ - Two people were seriously injured Thursday morning when a commuter bus hit 9 cars on Rt. 130 at Friendship Road, sending many of the cars sliding off the roadway.

One of the drivers suffered a fractured back, and another a fractured pelvis and ribs, police said. Video posted by the South Brunswick police above shows the extensive damage to the cars.

At 6:30 a.m., a Suburban Transit bus on Rt. 130 south failed to stop and struck 9 vehicles as it approached Friendship Road, police said. The vehicles were all stopped for a red traffic signal at the time. The bus pushed several vehicles off the roadway, Capt. James Ryan said.

Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate two drivers. Three of the most seriously injured were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Their injuries include:

• Woman, 61, from Princeton - Serious Condition – fracture pelvis, ribs
• Man, 35, from Brick – Serious Condition – fractured back
• Man, 42, from Dayton – treated and released – head laceration

Four other drivers were transported to area hospitals. Two drivers refused medical attention.

The driver of the bus has been identified Jamal L. Penten, 30, of Lakewood. Police have not said yet if he has been charged.

The crash closed down Rt. 130 for two hours Thursday morning. The case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Jesse Blake at (732) 329-4000 ext. 7474.

The Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, Cranbury First Aid Squad, Monroe EMS along with paramedics responded to the scene.

There were no passengers on the bus.