A bus driver, 48 year old Mr Idowu Daramola said to be using his cell phone, lost control of the vehicle which hit and knocked over a lamp post that fell on and killed an 8 month old baby girl.
The driver was driving in West New York, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon when the tragic incident occurred. He has been charged with reckless driving, using a cellphone while driving and death by auto.Authorities in West New York said the bus crashed into a lamppost, which fell onto a baby stroller. The bus then hit a tree, another lamppost and a parked car, which struck three other parked vehicles.
The bus was reportedly operated by Sphinx Transportation, which provides shuttle service between New Jersey and New York City. The company has not commented on the accident.
"I heard a loud crash and people screaming," said Iris Pizarro, who lives in an apartment building across the street. "That's when I ran to the window and saw the mother over the baby screaming, "My daughter! My baby!"
Daramola, who resides in Thornwood, NY, could face 10 years in prison if convicted of all the charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday and is being held on $250,000 bail.