Marta: Bus Became 'Stuck' On RR Tracks

Marta has issued this statement about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday on the morning bus-train collision at the McDonough Street grade rail crossing in Decatur.

MARTA is conducting a thorough investigation into an accident this morning 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, Operator 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.

Operator 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 maintenance record for the vehicle is available upon request.