50 injured as bus slams into big rig

The Associated Press

1/3/2008

HENDERSON, N.C. — Fifty people were hurt when a Greyhound bus slammed into a tractor-trailer Wednesday and plunged down an embankment near here, according to officials.

 At least two of the victims were critically injured and had to be airlifted to University of North Carolina hospitals in Chapel Hill, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The bus was traveling behind an 18-wheeler from Richmond, Va., to Raleigh, N.C, on U.S. 1, according to Sgt. Steve Green of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. When the big rig’s driver executed a turn, the bus driver failed to slow down, Green said.

After hitting the truck, the bus ran off the shoulder and down an embankment, tipping on its side, Green said.

Doctors and nurses at Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson treated 49 patients none of whom appeared to be critically hurt, said hospital spokesman David Ruggles.

"We have no serious, life-threatening injuries — mostly bumps and bruises and broken bones," Ruggles said.

The bus driver was among the injured, while the truck driver was not hurt, Green said. The accident happened near Henderson in north-central North Carolina. Neither driver was identified.