SF Muni bus driver who crashed last month in Marina dies from injuries

Milton James, 66, was driving the eastbound 28-19th Avenue bus on Lombard Street when he crashed into a tree and dry cleaning business early in the morning of Sept. 11, 2018. James died on Sept. 24, according to family members. less Milton James, 66, was driving the eastbound 28-19th Avenue bus on Lombard Street when he crashed into a tree and dry cleaning business early in the morning of Sept. 11, 2018. James died on Sept. 24, according ... more Photo: The Chronicle Photo: The Chronicle Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close SF Muni bus driver who crashed last month in Marina dies from injuries 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

A San Francisco Muni bus driver who crashed into a building in the Marina last month has died, according to his family.

Milton James, 66, was driving the eastbound 28-19th Avenue bus around 5:44 a.m. on Sept. 11 when he lost control of the bus and struck a tree and dry cleaning business on Lombard Street.

A shocking dash cam video of the incident shows the bus careening over the center divide and into the tree and building.

James was hospitalized in critical condition and died two weeks later on Sept. 24. His family declined to comment further Tuesday.

Two bus passengers were hospitalized and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Authorities do not know why James lost control of the vehicle. San Francisco police are still investigating the incident.

James had been driving for the agency for 38 years. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, or Muni, recognized him in 2014 for his safe-driving record.

His death was first reported by the San Francisco Examiner.

James once was the victim of a violent attack while driving a bus route through Bayview-Hunters Point.

On Christmas night in 1995, a passenger hit James on the head with a plastic pipe and started fighting with him. A crowd of bystanders joined in the assault, stealing James’ wallet and sending him to the hospital with cuts and bruises.

Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu