MARTA is investigating a May 23 accident involving a bus on Route 123 that was struck by a freight train at a railroad crossing in the City of Decatur.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the accident which occurred about 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of South McDonough and East Howard Avenue. MARTA Operator Donna McMullen was travelling northbound with four passengers aboard when she reported the bus became “stuck” as it proceeded across the tracks.
As a westbound train approached, McMullen followed MARTA emergency protocol and safely evacuated the bus. The ensuing impact caused serious damage to the bus which was later towed from the accident scene.
McMullen, 61, has been employed by MARTA since 1994. Following the accident, a mandatory drug and alcohol test was administered and she has been placed on leave, with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The bus involved in today’s accident had no known mechanical problems, the agency said.
