Local 100 Mourns William Pena, 49, Bus Operator Died in the Line of Duty

FEBRUARY 12 -- TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen expressed the Union's grief at the needless death today of Bus Operator William Pena, a 17-year veteran Bus Operator. He talked about the constant danger that transit workers face in large cities, noting that an average of one TWU Local 100 member dies each year on the job. "The Mike Quill Depot (where Brother Pena drove from) is in a real state of mourning right now," he added. "A lot of tears are being shed." Richard Davis, Union Chair of Brother Pena's division, said, "It’s such a terrible tragedy.  Everyone around here is in a deep depression.  Brother Pena was such a good person, a good family man, husband and father.  He was a great worker, great record on the job, really well liked. I’ve never seen the depot this quiet.” 

The accident occurred at around 5:30 AM when a box truck reportedly driven by a 22 year-old man who stole the vehicle collided with the M-14 bus near West 14th Street and 7th Avenue in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. Both bus and truck wound up against the corner of a building that houses a Chase bank. A coffee vendor's cart and an SUV were also caught in the collision, and the coffee vendor was also injured.

TWU Local 100 Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips, a Bus mechanic by trade, and the former Director of Safety for the Union, responded to the scene along with Safety Directors Frank Austin (Buses) and Tom Carrano (Subways). Phillips briefed the press on the accident. The driver of the truck is being treated for his injuries and may be charged with vehicular homicide. Arrangements for Brother Pena's memorial will be posted on our website as soon as we have them. He leaves a wife and 17 year old daughter. President Samuelsen is asking all union members to contribute to the TWU Local 100 Widows and Orphans Fund to help the family in this time of trial.IB ImageIB ImageIB Image