SUV pinned by city bus after crash

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A city bus slammed into an SUV Saturday evening, crushing the SUV and trapping the driver for hours.

Associate Director of the Albuquerque Transit Department Ken Cox called the accident the worst transit crash he's seen in years.

The accident happened at the corner of Oak and Central, just east of downtown where Interstate 25 crosses over Central.

Police said the SUV driver was to blame, after a risky move that could have cost him his life.

The driver of the SUV ran a red light and cut off the Rapid Ride bus, according to police.

"From what I understand, there was little to no time to respond," Cox said.

Cox said the bus was heading West on Central, and the SUV was turning left onto Oak which serves as the access road to I-25.

Ryon Andrade was riding in the bus with about 11 other passengers.

"The glass on the bus busted inward, and then the guy in front of me bounced so high he hit the roof of the bus," Andrade said.

He said he felt three hits. One when the bus struck the SUV, another when it slammed into a traffic light pole and a final hit when the bus slammed the SUV into the bridge support.

"I think that car may have rolled before it got stuck between the wall and the bus," Andrade said.

Bus riders walked off in shock, and within minutes a crowd of bystanders began to grow.

"I'd be surprised if anyone is alive in that car," Jonas Melvin said.

Fire crews said the driver was entombed in metal for nearly two hours as they tried to free him.

"We knew he was in there, we seen them giving fluids to him, so we knew he was still alive," witness Charles Bussey said.

Finally, crews peeled the floor board away from the driver and cut through the seats. The driver was freed and rushed to a hospital by ambulance.

"This is probably the worst accident I've seen in transit for 25 years," Cox said.

Police said the man's injuries were not life threatening.

Albuquerque police are now investigating the crash. Video from the bus will be turned over to investigators.