Summary

Executive Constantine today thanked the Metro bus driver who acted quickly to help passengers Tuesday night after a 120-foot-long construction piling crashed through the roof of his bus on State Route 520.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine called the Metro driver whose bus was struck by a falling construction piling Tuesday night on State Route 520:

“I had the opportunity to speak with Jeffery O'Neill, the Metro driver whose quick action and calm demeanor helped his passengers during a harrowing ordeal. With the lights knocked out and riders unsure of what had happened, he calmly got himself out from behind the damaged driver seat, helped guide the riders out of the bus, and worked with emergency responders.

"The professionalism he demonstrated represents the values of our Metro employees, whose first concern is always the safety of our passengers. I’m glad he is taking a few days to be with his family and grateful that he is on our team.

“Today, appropriately, is Transit Driver Appreciation Day. I hope riders take a moment to thank the drivers who work so hard each day to get us safely home.”

O'Neill, 51, is a 22-year Metro Transit veteran. He said he is grateful for the bystanders who came in and helped injured riders alongside the Washington State Patrol and Seattle Fire Department paramedics. He said he “feels lucky to still be here” after this collision and his thoughts are with his passengers.