'You killed her,' mom sobs after bus driver cleared in crash that killed infant

Quote:

It highlights that the bus driver has a history of disregarding legislated safety procedures and re-offended for the same issue. It appears that the driver ignores safety issues and most likely is a person that would use his cell phone regularly and is ignorant of safety.
A good prosecutor would look at his history of speeding too and any other form of risk taking.

Quote:

So what?

"Daramola also had two outstanding warrants for picking up or discharging passengers in an unauthorized area, according to sheriff's office spokesman Mike Makarski."

Wow - I had heard this was illegal, but haven't ever seen a dollar van pulled over. They're all pretty much guilty of this, every day, about 100 times a day!

Bus driver arraigned in crash that killed infant in West New York

Eyewitness News

WEST NEW YORK (WABC) -- Bail remains at $250,000 for a bus driver who hit a light pole in West New York that toppled onto a stroller, killing an 8-month-old girl.

Idowu Daramola is charged with death by auto, reckless driving and using a cellphone while operating a vehicle.

He did not enter a plea during his appearance Thursday in state court in Jersey City. He said he had not yet been able to retain an attorney.

Authorities say the 48-year-old Thornwood, N.Y., resident's bus veered off a city street on Tuesday and struck the pole, which fell onto the stroller and killed Angelie Paredes. They say he was using a cellphone when the accident happened.

Seven others were injured.

Angelie will never know about the haunting chain of events that cut short her precious life at a mere eight months of age.

The tragedy unfolded as her mother watched in horror.

"Me and a few guys ran down here to see if we could do something about it, but we couldn't," said Juan Navarete, an eyewitness.

A makeshift memorial of lit candles, teddy bears and flowers was growing at the site on Wednesday. Utility crews worked to reinstall the light pole. The bus stop sits between a park and playground atop a swath of trees and shrubs running down a steep slope.

Investigators also charged the 48-year-old driver with operating a motor vehicle while using a cell phone.

"We don't know if he was texting or talking on the phone. This is what distracted him we feel and he lost control of the bus," said Sheriff Frank Schillari, Hudson County.

Daramola also had two outstanding warrants for picking up or discharging passengers in an unauthorized area, according to sheriff's office spokesman Mike Makarski.

More charges could follow as investigators examine the bus, operated by Sphinx Transit Incorporated based in West New York.

The vehicle was operated by Sphinx Transportation, which provides shuttle service between New Jersey and New York City. The company told The Associated Press it did not know the cause of the accident.

Funeral services for Angelie will be held on Monday. She will be buried at Fairview Mausoleum.

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?sec ... cal/new_jersey&id=9189949