3 injured, 1 critically, in bus-into-building accident in Orange

ORANGE, N.J. (WABC) -- Authorities say three people were injured, one critically, after a bus crashed into a bank in Orange Wednesday afternoon.

The accident happened at the Bank of America building on Main Street in Orange just after 2:30 p.m.

That out of control bus struck both another car and man walking on the sidewalk near High and Main streets before crashing into the downtown Orange bank leaving a gaping hole.

There were earlier reports that one of the victims in this horrific collision had passed away, but those turned out to be unfounded.

Several eyewitnesses saw the entire horrific scene unfold and feared for their own lives.

"He started losing control; he jerked right and then left at the light. He looked like he was about to hit us head on, I mean, we saw him fighting the steering wheel," said Thales Marques, an eyewitness.

Terrified and helpless behind the wheel of his car, Marques described the surreal scene unfolding before his eyes as this Coach Bus suddenly swerved out of control near High and Main streets, colliding with a nearby Nissan and a man walking on the sidewalk.

"The man was launched about 15 feet, and then he hit the lady she spun about 90 degrees, and then he hit directly into the bank," Marques said.

"Collided with the Nissan and then just hit it, and then I guess he turned hit the pedestrian and went into the bank. Yeah, crazy," said Andres Zhunio, an eyewitness.

Zhunio was also stopped at the busy intersection and quickly ran along with others to help the victims before EMS arrived.

"I pulled into this parking lot and I got out to see how everybody was," Zhunio said. "I saw this guy and I went over there he was helping him out, checking his pulse, seeing if he was ok, he was kind of moving but he was having some trouble breathing."

"I jumped out of the car started checking for his pulse because he was knocked unconscious, started going into shock and I was trying to stabilize his spine," Marques said.

Authorities confirm three people including the bus driver were taken to University Hospital with one person in critical condition.

The images of the damage to the bank and front end of the bus are starling, but a spokesperson says fortunately no bank employees or customers inside were seriously injured.

Authorities are now trying to piece together how this frightening collision occurred. Witnesses said they're hoping for the best for all involved.

"Something unexpected, you're going out somewhere, maybe he was going home and bad stuff happens, and I'm pretty sure he had family waiting for him and I hope everybody makes it ok," Zhunio said.

The bus involved is operated by Coach USA. Sean Hughes, director of corporate affairs for the company, said the bus was traveling from Orange to Newark when the crash happened.

"Safety is our number one priority and ONE Bus is fully cooperating with the authorities with their investigation into the incident," said Hughes.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the accident.