Greyhound passenger sues for injuries from bus fire

An Allentown man wants punitive damages in excess of $50,000 for injuries he sustained

when the Greyhound bus he was traveling in caught fire, according to a suit filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Jose Sanjuro says the driver and Greyhound Lines, Inc., acted negligently for inadequately inspecting the vehicle and not operating the bus safely prior to the incident.

"Greyhound had an affirmative duty to operate its vehicle in a responsible and safe manner in accordance with the laws of Pennsylvania," the complaint reads, "and an affirmative duty to protect and ensure the safety and security of its passengers."

According to the complaint, Sanjuro was sleeping on a Greyhound bus as it traveled from Allentown to Harrisburg on June 7, 2013, when the vehicle suddenly caught fire. The driver slammed on the brakes, startling the passengers and causing Sanjuro to slam his shoulder into the seat in front of him.

The impact allegedly caused severe and permanent injury to his shoulder, chest and tendons. As a result, Sanjuro's quality of life has been diminished since he cannot attend to his usual daily routines and chores. The incident has also limited his earning power while he continues to cover costly medical expenses.

Sanjuro is represented by Philadelphia attorney Gregory Schell.

The case ID number is 140301843.