Video shows explosions outside, pandemonium inside VIA bus after it crashes through utility pole

Driver suspended seven days after crash

SAN ANTONIO – Video obtained by KSAT 12 on Tuesday shows the chaotic scene after a VIA Metropolitan Transit bus crashed through a utility pole downtown late last month.

Several on-board cameras captured explosions as live power lines fell around the bus after it drove through a utility pole at W. Quincy and Richmond on May 21.

The crash and subsequent explosions caused many passengers to get up and try to exit the bus with some passengers even begging the VIA driver to open the doors.

No one was seriously injured in the crash, although the video shows a man was slow to get up after being shoved to the ground by another passenger who was trying to get off of the bus.

The driver, who has not been identified by VIA officials, repeatedly yells, "Stay in the bus!"

VIA officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon that he was suspended seven days for the crash and has not returned to duty, pending the outcome of a fit-for-duty exam.

The official said in a written statement that the incident was the result of operator error.

According to KSAT's original report, the driver and passengers stayed on board until CPS Energy crews secured the area.

The statement also read in part:

VIA provides nearly 40 million passenger trips each year, and the overwhelming majority happen without incident. The safety of VIA patrons and employees remains our top priority.

 

On May 21, 2018, a VIA bus made contact with a utility pole. No injuries from the impact were reported. The operator instructed passengers to stay aboard the vehicle and called for help immediately following the incident. VIA worked with municipal and public safety partners to safely evacuate passengers. A new bus was provided and passengers were able to continue their trip.

The video shows the driver drift right as the bus travels along Quincy, eventually plowing through the pole and its guy-wires, causing the pole to crash to the ground.

The video shows a bright explosion as the toppled wires first make contact with the road.


About the Author:

Emmy-award winning reporter Dillon Collier joined KSAT Investigates in September 2016. Dillon's investigative stories air weeknights on the Nightbeat and on the Six O'Clock News. Dillon is a two-time Houston Press Club Journalist of the Year and a Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year.