LAS VEGAS, Nevada (FOX5) – Observers of the tragic incident on Wednesday night, which resulted in the loss of two lives and injuries to three individuals, recounted a harrowing scene.
The woman who stands accused of crashing into the bus stop, causing the fatalities of a man and a teenager, made an appearance in a Clark County courtroom on Thursday afternoon.
As per the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Cynthia Phelps, a 64-year-old, was reportedly speeding and driving in the wrong direction on Boulder Highway when her vehicle collided with the bus stop near Sahara.
Authorities stated that Phelps exhibited signs of impairment after the collision and was apprehended on Wednesday night. Subsequently, her bail was set at $500,000.
One witness to the tragic event expressed, “It was just really sad, I don’t know, I never want to experience that again, it was hard to see 100 percent.”
The witness, opting to remain anonymous, detailed witnessing the entire sequence of events. Despite being a regular user of the bus stop, he conveyed his reluctance to utilize it in the future.
Describing the significance of the bus stop, he remarked, “This bus stop is the main bus stop that everybody takes. So to see people just casually waiting there to get on the bus and then boom. It’s crazy how short life is.”
Situated directly across from two establishments, including Four Mile Bar, the bus stop has been the site of multiple accidents, according to Pam Corsinelli, a long-time employee at the bar.
Corsinelli, with over 20 years of experience at the establishment, reflected, “Bus stops around here, in this town, are dangerous I think. I’ve been here since 1963, and I’ve seen in the past 15 years at least seven different incidents with vehicles running into bus stops.”
In an effort to enhance safety, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) took measures in 2019 to relocate 1,100 bus shelters five feet away from the curb. Additionally, they conducted a pilot program with bollards at 20 different bus stops across the valley.
Although bollards were installed at the bus stop involved in the recent crash, they appeared to have been pushed back due to the impact of the vehicle.
Corsinelli expressed her condolences, stating, “What can you say to somebody that’s just lost half of their family. There’s nothing you can say. It’s tragic.”
M.J. Maynard, the CEO of RTC, issued a statement in response to the incident:
“We continue to collaborate with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as the investigation unfolds. Our hearts are heavy knowing that our community lost two individuals last night and others were injured. These individuals were someone’s child, friend, parent, cousin, or co-worker. There are no words to describe this senseless tragedy, as the driver was allegedly impaired and driving the wrong way at a high rate of speed. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish all involved a quick recovery.”
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