Cell-phoning driver plows into bus, injuring 16

At least 16 people were injured in Juniata Park yesterday when a minivan struck a SEPTA bus, causing the bus to careen into a large Market-Frankford El support beam.

Police said that the dramatic scene unfolded about 3 p.m. when the driver of the Plymouth minivan - who was talking on her cell phone - drove through a red light on Hunting Park Avenue near Kensington, and slammed into the No. 3 bus.

The bus smacked into two parked cars and then crumpled into a support beam for the nearby Market-Frankford El.

The beam was apparently undamaged, and service on the El was unaffected, SEPTA officials said.

Fourteen people on the bus were hospitalized with injuries that were deemed "nonlife threatening," according to SEPTA officials.

The bus driver was taken to Temple University Hospital for head trauma, and a 2-year-old passenger was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children with a laceration on his forehead, police said. Both victims were reportedly in stable condition.

It was unclear if the minivan driver, who was not identified, and her passenger were injured. No charges had been filed against the driver as of last night. *