Snowy weather conditions hit the U.S. by storm and its effects were felt on Connecticut's I-95 Monday when a tour bus that departed New York City en route to Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut crashed, leaving at least 30 people injured and shutting down traffic for hours, according to authorities.
The crash occurred near exit 61 on the northbound side of the highway around 12:30 p.m. ET, reported CBS' Providence affiliate WPRI-TV. About 60 people were on the bus at the time as they headed to Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville for some winter gambling fun.
First responders found the white charter bus mostly off the roadway, lying on its side on top of a guardrail, prompting them to break through the windshield in order to reach those trapped inside. Due to the nature of the crash, responders were prepared for mass casualties, but were surprised - and relieved - after seeing the scene for themselves.
"They initially expected worse in the field and told us to prepare for the worst," said Yale-New Haven Hospital spokesman Mark D'Antonio, according to the New York Daily News. "Once they got down to nuts and bolts and triaged everybody, they realized it was not as serious as they thought."
Thirty people were able to leave the scene on their own two feet, while the remainder were taken to Yale Trauma Center in New Haven to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
"It was a lot of bruising, a lot of bony injuries. The ones that are now being transferred have more internal injuries. More critical injuries yes," said Dr. Andy Ulrich, according to ABC's New Haven affiliate WTNH-TV.
Now investigators are trying to determine the situation that led to the crash. While it's already noted that the incident happened at a time when heavy, wet snow accumulated, they are trying to see if the bus' speed had anything to do with it.
