Pedestrian struck by NJ Transit bus turning onto Freeway Drive East
March 16, 2026 | E. Orange, NJ
East Orange authorities are investigating a tragic incident where a 30-year-old Newark resident lost her life after being struck by an NJ Transit bus.
Eva Malcolm, 30, died after being struck by an NJ Transit bus during a turn at Evergreen Place and Freeway Drive East in East Orange.
What Happened in the Crash?
The accident occurred around 6 a.m. when the bus, traveling on Evergreen Place, made a right turn onto Freeway Drive East and collided with the pedestrian. Emergency crews arrived quickly, freeing the victim from under the vehicle and transporting her to University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Passengers on the bus escaped unharmed.
- Location: Intersection of Evergreen Place and Freeway Drive East, East Orange, New Jersey
- Date and Time: March 16, approximately 6 a.m.
- Victim: Eva Malcolm, 30, from Newark
- Vehicle: NJ Transit bus
- Outcome: Fatal injuries to the pedestrian, no injuries to the bus occupants
- Response: Essex County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Involving Buses Occur?
Large vehicles like buses pose significant risks to those on foot due to their size and the challenges drivers face in maintaining clear sightlines. Distractions, haste, or lapses in attention often contribute to these collisions, leading to severe consequences.
According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 60,000 bus-related crashes happen annually across the U.S., claiming hundreds of lives. In New Jersey, the State Police reported 221 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, a roughly 29% rise from the year before.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual U.S. Bus Crashes |
About 60,000 |
Federal Highway Administration |
U.S. Bus Crash Fatalities |
Hundreds |
Federal Highway Administration |
NJ Pedestrian Deaths (2024) |
221 |
New Jersey State Police |
Year-over-Year Increase in NJ |
About 29% |
New Jersey State Police |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Incidents
National legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, emphasizes the complexities of these cases.
“In cases such as this, driver negligence frequently plays a central role in pedestrian accidents, whether from distractions like mobile devices, rushing, or failing to stay vigilant. These collisions often cause devastating injuries,” Finkelstein stated.
He highlights the need for thorough investigations to safeguard families' interests.
“Reconstructing the scene is crucial to pinpoint all factors and assign responsibility accurately,” he added.
- Key Takeaways:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses including companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Insurance firms often shift blame to minimize compensation and avoid direct statements to them.
- Engaging a seasoned attorney is vital to counter these tactics and advocate effectively.
- In fatal scenarios, loved ones deserve representation to honor the victim's rights.
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, Eva Malcolm's relatives could be eligible for such claims following this heartbreaking accident.
“Victims and their families endure profound physical and emotional trauma from these crashes. When a life is lost, the devastation ripples through loved ones,” Finkelstein noted.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
For transparency, view our Corrections Policy, which guarantees a 24-hour review of any submitted concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a loved one were involved in an incident like the one in this article and wish to speak with our national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein at no cost, please use the contact details provided on this page.
(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).