Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - The NFTA says one of its paratransit employees died after a rollover crash around 6 a.m. involving a Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority paratransit bus on the I-190 South.
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According to a statement from the NFTA, three people were inside the bus at the time of the crash, all were taken to Erie County Medical Center. 60 year old Chequita Smith died of her injuries. Smith was an operator and instructor with the NFTA for nine years. The driver and passenger were treated for non-life threating injuries.
WBEN Traffic Command's Allan Harris reports that there was some significant traffic backup as a result, spanning well over three miles long.
The NFTA says the accident is currently being investigated and they will provide more information when details become available.
THE NFTA RELEASED THE FOLLOWING UPDATE
We have an update on the Paratransit accident that occurred this morning at the 190/290 split. We are very sad to share that one of our Metro-Link employees, 60-year-old Chequita Smith was killed in that accident.
The driver and passenger were treated for non-life threating injuries.
Smith worked with us for more than nine years as an operator and instructor.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with her have lost a dear friend.
No words can adequately express our sadness. We ask that you please keep Chequita’s family and friends in your prayers.