Car smashes into side of NJ Transit bus; 13 hospitalized, 1 dead

ABSECON — A driver died after slamming into the side of an NJ Transit bus, which hospitalized a dozen passengers Thursday afternoon.

Absecon police Friday afternoon said the driver of the Mercedes sedan that hit the bus, John Barker, 48, of Galloway, died in the crash.  He was the only person in the car.

The No. 554 bus carrying passengers from Atlantic City to Lindenwold was struck at the intersection of Shore Road and Ohio Avenue around 5:30 p.m., according to an NJ Transit spokesperson.

Video shows extensive front-end damage to the car and the bus leaning to one side.

The NJ Transit spokesperson said everyone on board was taken to hospitals to be checked over and were found to have non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said that speed was a contributing factor in the crash and the investigation was ongoing.

Police asked witnesses to the crash to contact them at 609-641-0667 X208.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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