Bus driver from New York City charged in North Carolina crash that killed woman

BENSON, N.C. (WABC) -- A Florida woman is dead and the driver of a New York City tour bus is facing charges and among the injured after an early-morning highway crash in North Carolina Sunday.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said the deadly crash happened about 4:20 a.m. on Interstate 95 about 35 miles south of Raleigh.

Sgt. Michael Baker said in a statement that the southbound bus crossed the median into oncoming traffic, causing a northbound car to swerve off the interstate and slam into a tree. The crash killed the motorist's wife, 54-year-old Enid Ortiz of Palm Bay, Florida. The driver, 68-year-old Wilfredo Ortiz, and the couple's 12- and 13-year-old grandchildren needed treatment at a Raleigh hospital.

Bus driver Eric Jimmerson, 23, of New York City, was ejected from the vehicle.

Sachin Banga was in the front row of this bus trying to sleep when suddenly the smooth ride turned scary. With no one behind the wheel, the 36-year-old jumped into the driver's seat and applied the brakes, veering back in the right direction. He had precious cargo -- his wife and son -- on board.

Sachin and his family were along with three busloads of travelers from Queens, headed to a spiritual retreat in North Carolina. They were only minutes from their destination when they crashed. The buses were from Apex in Brooklyn.

Troopers say the Jimmerson was hospitalized in critical condition. Another driver stayed with him until paramedics responded.

Sachin and his wife were bruised, as were several other passengers.

There were 48 passengers on the bus headed for the Science of the Soul Study Center in Fayetteville.

A large section of the guard rail was torn down and moved out of the road by DOT crews, and I-95 was closed in both directions and the southbound lane reopened just after 7 a.m.

Jimmerson is charged misdemeanor death by a motor vehicle, as well as careless and reckless driving.