Sunday, August 2, 2015

SHP Investigates Bus Collision in Johnston County

Aug 2, 2015

On Sunday August 2 at approximately 4:20 a.m., the State Highway Patrol responded to a collision on I-95 near mile marker 82. A tour bus operated by by Eric Jimmerson, 23, New York, NY, was traveling south on I-95. Mr. Jimmerson traveled off onto the right shoulder and struck a guard rail. The bus then crossed both southbound lanes into the median, traveling south in the north bound travel lanes where the driver of the bus was ejected.

A Ford mustang, operated by Wilfredo Ortiz, 68, of Palm Bay, FL., was traveling north bound on I-95. Mr. Ortiz swerved off the road to the right to avoid contact with the bus. The mustang then struck a tree and came to rest. As a result of the impact with the tree, the front right passenger, identified as Enid Ortiz, 54, Palm Bay, FL., died on the scene. The deceased was the wife of Mr. Ortiz.

Also in the mustang were two children, the grandchildren of the driver and passenger -- ages 12 and 13 years old. Mr. Ortiz and the kids were transported to Wake Med with non-life threatening injuries.

Mr. Jimmerson, the driver of the bus, was transported to Wake Med and is in critical condition.

The bus was owned by Apex Coach Company.

Investigators are consulting with DA's office regarding charges.