One person was killed and 9 others injured following a bus accident on Interstate 95 just north of Benson. The crash happened around 4:20am Sunday near the 82 mile marker.
The NC Highway Patrol says a tour bus being driven by Eric Jimmerson, 23, of New York, NY was traveling southbound when he ran off the right shoulder, struck a guard rail, then crossed both soundbound lanes into the median, then traveled into the northbound lanes where the driver of the bus was ejected.
A Ford Mustang, driven by Wilfredo Ortiz, 68, of Palm Bay, Florida was traveling northbound on I-95 and swerved off the roadway to avoid hitting the bus. The Mustang struck a tree killing a passenger, 54 year-old Enid Ortiz, the wife of Wilfredo Ortiz.
Wilfredo Ortiz and his two grandchildren, ages 12 and 13, who were riding in the Mustang were all transported to the hospital. Jimmerson, the driver of the bus was taken to Wake Medical Center where he still remained hospitalized on Monday. Jimmerson was charged Monday with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and reckless driving.
Forty-eight passengers were on board the bus. Five were taken to the hospital.
The bus was owned by Apex Coach Company in New York.
The NC Department of Transportation was also called to the scene to remove a large section of guardrail that had been torn down and strewn across the roadway.
The interstate was fully reopened about three hours after the crash.
In addition to the bus driver, the Highway Patrol says a 9 year-old passenger on board the bus still remained hospitalized Monday afternoon. All 7 others who were injured are out of the hospital.
Photos courtesy JoCoFire.com.
