Chinatown bus crashes on way to Boston; injuries reported

(Massachusetts-WABC, September 5, 2006) (WABC) -- More than 30 people were injured after a tour bus overturned shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The bus left Chinatown and was headed for Boston when it flipped over on Route 290 in Auburn, Massachusetts.

Eyewitness News reporter Lucy Yang is in Chinatown with more on the story.

Officials say the bus departed from the Fung Wah bus company on Canal Street for Boston Tuesday morning. But passengers did not make it safely to their destination.

Authorities say the bus flipped on its side in Auburn, Massachusetts, which is about 44 miles west of Boston. With less than an hour left in the trip, officials say the driver decided to take exit 7 off of Route 290. Investigators believe he did not slow down around the bend.

"I believe that it's safe to conclude the driver of the bus was operating at a speed that was greater than reasonable and proper for the driving conditions," Auburn Police Chief Andrew Sluckis said.

The driver, questioned by police, could face charges. Officials say all 57 passengers on board, including a 3-year-old toddler, were able to evacuate the bus before rescue crews arrived. No serious injuries were reported, but 34 passengers were taken to a local hospital.

Fung Wah, which means "magnificent wind," is a popular bus company in Chinatown that runs frequent trips from New York's Chinatown to Boston's Chinatown.

Fung Wah employees had no comment, but at $15 a trip, customers say the bargain is too good to pass up.

"I guess I'm a little nervous," one rider said. "But, I mean, I'm still going to take the bus."

Fung Wah is no stranger to accidents. In August of last year, one of its buses heading back to New York burst into flames. No fatalities were reported in that incident. As for today's accident, it may have some passengers saying an extra prayer, but it is clearly not stopping business.

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