RTA bus driver dies behind the wheel
A 30-year veteran bus driver with the Regional Transit Authority died behind the wheel Monday after passing out on Chef Menteur Highway, sending a bus packed with 32 passengers crashing over a median and into a light pole, RTA officials said.
Robert Taylor, 54, was taken to Charity Hospital shortly after the 5:38 p.m. accident and pronounced dead, RTA spokeswoman Rosalind Blanco Cook said. Cook said none of the passengers was seriously injured in the low-speed collision near Downman Road. Police said a 35-year-old pregnant woman and her 7-year-old daughter, both of New Orleans, complained of pains and were taken to a nearby hospital for observation.
The bus had just crossed the high-rise bridge when Taylor lost consciousness, police said.
Talk about a serious near-miss. Had this happened on the high-rise itself, the consequences could have been much worse. I saw this happen with a taxi once, abut 15 years ago, on Poydras Street. A full bus? *shudder*
Our condolences go out to Mr. Taylor's family, friends, and co-workers, and a tip of the hat to Mr. Hudson for his efforts to control the bus.
