TRAFFIC UPDATE: Bus service from Port Authority resumes

A Union City garbage truck rolled off an overpass onto Route 495 on Wednesday, leaving 12 people injured and causing major traffic delays near the Lincoln Tunnel.

Shortly after 1 p.m., the garbage truck toppled off the Palisade Avenue overpass onto Route 495 westbound, said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. When the truck rolled off the overpass, it crashed into a Bolt Bus that was traveling on Route 495.

One person was in critical condition late Wednesday afternoon, but the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said all were stable by 6 p.m.

Two people who were riding in the garbage truck were injured and taken to Jersey City Medical Center, Coleman said. Five more people riding in the Bolt Bus also were injured, but they were treated at the scene and released.

All lanes of Route 495 westbound are blocked and eastbound was gridlocked by rubbernecking commuters, Coleman said.

Photos taken at the scene show a truck marked "Department of Public Works Union City" resting on its nose, leaning against a stone wall. The back end of the truck is resting against the edge of the overpass.

The situation was unfolding, said Lt. Michael Bergbauer of the Union City police. Bergbauer declined to comment further.

Afternoon commute

The crash ultimately caused all bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to be suspended.

Service resumed shortly after 5 p.m. Delays were at an hour as of 7 p.m. NJ Transit bus tickets are being cross-honored on NJ Transit rail, New York Waterway and PATH at Hoboken, Journal Square and 33rd Street.

Email: torrejon@northjersey.com