News

November 10

Man’s family sues LCTA, city, center designer

Lawsuit stems from death of elderly Wilkes-Barre man struck by a bus at Intermodal Center.

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorgan@timesleader.com
Law & Order Reporter
Terrie Morgan-Besecker on Facebook   |   @TLTerrieMorgan on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE – The family of an elderly Wilkes-Barre man who was killed by a bus at the city’s Intermodal Center has filed a lawsuit against the Luzerne County Transportation Authority, the city and designer of the terminal.

Jeffrey Malak, executor of the estate of Edward Rehill, filed the suit Wednesday in Luzerne County Court.

Rehill, 86, was struck and killed by a bus driven by LCTA driver Donna Smith as it was backing out of a stall in the James F. Conahan Intermodal Transportation Center on Sept.22.

The suit, filed by attorney David Selingo, alleges the design of the bus terminal, which was done by Pennoni Associates of Philadelphia, was faulty because it required passengers to cross active bus driving lanes to enter and exit the buses.

The suit further alleges that the bus driver failed to see Rehill, in part, because a backup camera/monitor that shows the rear of the bus was not working.

The suit contends LCTA and Wilkes-Barre city officials were notified of concerns that had been expressed by pedestrians. Those officials failed to take any action to restrict pedestrian access to areas where buses backed up or to take other precautions, such as stationing a porter who would ensure no pedestrians were behind the bus, to ensure their safety.

Stanley Strelish, executive director of LCTA, and a representative from Pennoni Associates did not return phone messages Wednesday seeking comment on the suit.

Drew McLaughlin, spokesman for the city, declined comment.

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