Serious Injury Crash Involving Citilink Bus at Downtown Fort Wayne Intersection

Modified Date: 
Tue, 12/10/2024 - 6:47am
Accident Date: 
Friday, December 6, 2024

Several injured after crash involving Citilink bus on Lafayette St

Dispatchers confirm at least one person was trapped inside a vehicle and someone is in serious condition.

A significant collision between a Citilink public transit bus and another vehicle occurred at the intersection of Lafayette Street and East Lewis Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The incident resulted in multiple injuries, with emergency dispatchers confirming at least one person was trapped in their vehicle and in serious condition. According to witness accounts from a bus passenger, the Citilink bus was traveling on Lafayette Street with approximately eight passengers aboard when it was struck by another vehicle, despite having the right of way with a green light. The Fort Wayne Police Department responded immediately to the scene, where emergency crews worked to extricate the trapped occupant. The crash disrupted regular traffic flow through this busy downtown intersection while first responders tended to the injured parties.

Location and Infrastructure - The intersection of Lafayette and East Lewis streets serves as a vital junction in Fort Wayne's downtown area, with Lafayette Street (US Highway 27) functioning as a major north-south arterial route. The intersection features standard traffic signal controls and dedicated turn lanes to manage the substantial daily flow of public transportation, commercial vehicles, and private traffic. This crossing point experiences heavy usage due to its strategic location near downtown businesses, residential areas, and civic buildings. The intersection's proximity to the central business district makes it particularly busy during standard commuting hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, accidents involving public transportation vehicles require careful consideration of multiple liability factors. Injured parties generally have two years from the accident date to file personal injury claims under Indiana's statute of limitations, though cases involving public transit may have additional notice requirements and modified deadlines due to governmental immunity statutes. Potential compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Multiple insurance policies typically come into play, including the transit authority's coverage and private auto insurance. Documentation of traffic signal timing, witness statements, and vehicle maintenance records often prove crucial in determining liability. An experienced Fort Wayne bus accident lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

 

Related Resources:

  • Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
  • Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center Emergency Department
  • Indiana BMV Crash Reports: www.in.gov/bmv
  • Citilink Customer Service: (260) 432-4546
  • Indiana's Auto Insurance Requirements Portal
  • Fort Wayne Victim Assistance Program
Type: Bus Accident