By Gabriel Rom
A Resorts World Casino shuttle swerved into a three-story building on the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard Monday as it tried to avoid another car in a crash that seriously injured the bus driver and left five others with injuries, witnesses and officials said.
The bus, which shuttles guests to Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park, crashed into 87-17 63rd Ave., near Woodhaven Boulevard, at about 2:20 p.m., FDNY officials said.
According to AnnMarie Constantinides who witnessed the crash, there was a car in the lane next to the bus that attempted to make a right turn in front of the bus, causing it to swerve into the commercial and residential building.
“I was sleeping, and I just heard ‘boom’” said John Panosian who lives a few doors down from the accident site.
At least six people were transported to local hospitals with various injuries, including four passengers on the bus and one person inside the house according to the FDNY. The driver of the bus was pinned against the windshield of the bus and was extricated through the Jaws of Life, according to fire officials.
“That poor man took the brunt of the force of the accident,” said Constantinides.
According to PJ Marcel, a member of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the driver was conscious after the accident and was in critical but stable condition.
A sign for law offices was seen on part of the structure, which is listed online as being a multi-family home. The building’s structural integrity will be evaluated by the city Department of Buildings, FDNY spokesman Frank Dwyer said.
The bus was from Resorts World Casino but was being operated by a contractor. The casino did not say how many people were on board or where the bus was headed when it crashed.
“We are working with the local authorities as well as conducting our own investigation into the accident,” the company said in a statement. “Those involved in today’s accident are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Reach reporter Gabriel Rom by e-mail at grom@
