Bus, 75-year-old Biker Collide; Victim Trapped Under Wheels

OCEAN CITY — A 75-year-old woman sustained a serious leg injury July 25 when she was struck by a New Jersey Transit Bus while riding her bike east on Ninth Street, then trapped under the bus until she was freed by firefighters, according to police.
According to Lt. Steve Ang, police received a report of a pedestrian motor vehicle accident at 12:17 p.m. When they arrived, they found Eleanor M. Vekony, of this city, trapped under the rear dual wheels of the bus.
The Ocean City Fire Department responded to the scene and used Hurst air bags to lift the bus off the victim. She was reported to be pinned 10 to 15 minutes, according to Lt. Ang.
The victim was then transported to the Ocean City Airport where South Star Medevac then air lifted her to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Trauma Division with a severed leg injury, according to their radio report to the hospital.
Police said their investigation revealed that both the N.J. Transit Bus, driven by Desmond Harris, 29, of Galloway Township, and Vekony were traveling eastbound on Ninth Street crossing Asbury Avenue.
NJ Transit spokesmaan Joe Dee said the bus was on Route 509 from Atlantic City to Ocean City.
Velony was riding a bicycle at the time of the accident. Just after crossing Asbury Avenue, Vekony and her bicycle engaged the side of the bus in the travel portion of the outside lane as they entered the 400 block of East Ninth Street.
Vekony then became entangled un the bus’ rear wheels.
Sgt. Charles Simonsen and Patrolman Michael Tabor are investigating the accident.
There have been no summonses issued pending the outcome of their investigation.
A medical condition of the victim was unknown July 25 in the afternoon.