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Driver of bus that hit Soldiers Field Road overpass in court – Metro US

Driver of bus that hit Soldiers Field Road overpass in court

The aftermath of the crash that occurred on Soldiers Field Road in February when a bus collided with the Western Avenue Bridge. Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/METRO The bus crashed into the Western Avenue overpass in February, leaving dozens of passengers injured.
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro

The driver of a tour bus that crashed into a bridge over Soldiers Field Road appeared in court Tuesday morning.

Samuel J. Jackson, 67, of Philadelphia, was arraigned in Brighton District Court on charges including negligent operation of a motor vehicle that were brought about after the February crash. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance, according to the Suffolk district attorney’s office.

State police said in April that the results of their investigation led them to seek charges against Jackson.

Jackson was driving the bus on Feb. 2 when it hit the Western Avenue overpass. The crash severely damaged the bus and caused multiple injuries to about three dozen passengers. Some of them were trapped in the bus for an hour as crews worked to get them out.

The bus was transporting adults and students from the Pennsylvania-based Destined for a Dream Foundation back to their home state after a visit to Harvard University.

Authorities said Jackson did not slow down as he approached the bridge and failed to heed warning signs that prohibited buses from that stretch of the roadway.

Jackson is due back in court next month.

Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.