Driver facing DUI after striking SEPTA para-transit bus

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police say a man is facing DUI charges after his car struck a SEPTA CCT bus in North Philadelphia, injuring five people.

The accident occurred at around 2:00 p.m. Sunday on the 600 block of West Cambria Street.

"Next thing you know I hear this crash and bang," said Bernie Colone.

Authorities say a 48-year-old man driving a brown Cadillac was headed southbound when he ran a red light and struck the para-transit bus.

The impact of the crash caused the bus to overturn and hit a light pole, which fell.

The para-transit driver and three female passengers suffered back and neck pain as well as cuts to the face.

"The one lady had lacerations to her forehead like the top of her head and stuff and she was bleeding pretty profusely. The two older women were also bleeding but their injuries didn't seem life threatening," said Alex Kuilan.

Colone, Kuilan and George Sanchez rushed to help the driver and three passengers by freeing their seat belts and helping them out.

A male pedestrian got trapped under the light pole which was knocked over in crash. Neighbors also helped free him.

The Crossroads Community Center owns a van that was parked nearby. They were about to board the van with 20 children headed to camp but just missed the crash.

"We're blessed, we're blessed. God blessed us," said Juan.

The pedestrian along with the CCT bus driver were taken to Hahnemann Hospital in stable condition.

The three passengers on the bus were taken to Temple University Hospital, also in stable condition.

The driver of the Cadillac was taken into custody but police have not released his identity.