Driver of rig that struck Westmoreland County Transit bus on Route 22 cited

A tractor-trailer driver who allegedly caused a crash Thursday at the intersection of Routes 22 and 819 in Salem, sending six people to area hospitals, was issued three traffic citations by state police at Kiski — including one accusing him of running a red light.

Ibrahim Mulder, 49, of Lyndhurst, N.J., was also cited for careless driving and a registration violation in connection with the multi-vehicle crash. The citations were mailed to Mulder on Tuesday from the office of Washington Township District Judge Jason Buczak.

If Mulder pleads guilty or is found guilty of the three traffic violations, he could be fined $571, according to citation paperwork filed Monday.

Trooper Kayla Hupe reported there “were no adverse weather conditions” when Mulder’s eastbound tractor-trailer went through “a steady red traffic signal” on Route 22 and struck a northbound Westmoreland County Transit Authority bus that was entering the highway from Route 819.

The crash involved a Go Westmoreland mini-bus. The majority of that fleet is used for a paratransit program that provides door-to-door service to elderly, low-income and special-needs riders.

The male bus driver and his three wheelchair-using passengers were among the six people who suffered injuries and were taken by ambulance to area hospitals.

The bus was pushed into the westbound lanes, where another tractor-trailer and a car stopped for the light became involved, state police said.

The bus ramp was damaged, and the passengers were removed through the bus’ rear emergency door with the help of firefighters, Forbes Road Volunteer fire Chief Bob Rosatti said.

Cpl. Judson Shepherd, acting commander at the Kiski barracks, said the investigation is ongoing.

Mulder’s contact information was not available in court records.

Hupe reported the 2019 Volvo rig Mulder was driving is owned by PLA Logistics of Pen Argyl in Northhampton County. A telephone message left at the business was not returned.