Four men who work with the city's Doe Fund, picking up garbage and cleaning sidewalks, were hurt when a school bus jumped a curb on the Upper East Side Monday morning, authorities and witnesses said.
The victims were taken to hospitals in serious but stable condition after the 8:15 a.m. accident on Third Avenue and East 85th Street. Another person who works with the Doe Fund, which helps homeless men and women get back on their feet, said his coworkers all appeared conscious but in shock.
The Doe Fund organization said the four men were trainees, receiving their route instructions at their usual staging area before cleaning streets and sidewalks.
Photos posted to social media showed the mini bus entirely on the sidewalk, passersby standing around it as firefighters tended to the injured. After the accident, emergency crews were seen tending to victims laying on the ground.
A witness said it appeared the driver was trying to make a left on 85th Street at the time of the accident, though officials say the cause is under investigation. No passengers were aboard, authorities say.
A spokeswoman for the Doe Fund said the four men were taken to local hospitals and treated for minor injuries. They have been released.
"We are extremely thankful that the four trainees were not more seriously hurt, and that no other pedestrians were struck," said Doe Fund founder and president George T. McDonald, adding that the workers' commitment to
"creating a cleaner, safer New York City is tireless, and we have been overwhelmed by the concern and expressions of support from our friends, neighbors, and elected officials."
The driver's identity hasn't been released. He had no comment to NBC 4 New York Monday.
Another accident involving a school bus was reported in Brooklyn Monday. Fire officials say two people were hospitalized and one refused medical attention after the accident at Seventh and Ovington avenues. Further details weren't clear.
