A 73-year-old Williamsburg woman was taken to the hospital after the WATA bus she was riding was hit by a man who may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Major Stephen Rubino of the James City County Police Department said the incident occurred at 11:55 a.m. on the 5300 block of Richmond Road. The 2005 Ford Ranger driven by 62-year-old Wyndham Evans McPherson crashed into the back of the bus — which was stopped at a bus stop in front of the Quality Inn — causing severe damage to the pickup and minor damage to the bus.
The Ford Ranger’s airbags deployed. It was towed from the scene after it sustained significant damage to its front section.
WATA service continues to operate at its normal capacity.
Kevan Danker, the executive director of WATA, said the bus’ rear panel, rear quarterpanel and rear bumper will have to be repaired. It is unclear how many passengers were on the bus when the incident occurred.
McPherson, a James City County man, was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He has been charged with reckless driving, Rubino said.
A Williamsburg-James City County District Court hearing against McPherson in May was waived after he paid the fees associated with following too closely and causing an accident in April.
