Problem intersection will get DOT review after school bus accident

An accident yesterday involving a school bus at a long troublesome Staten Island intersection that sent eight people -- including five children -- to the hospital in serious condition has prompted the ciy Department of Transportation to reassess residents' requests for additional safety measures there.

The intersection at Oakdale Street and Preston Avenue in Eltingville "did not meet federal guidelines for additional intersection controls following a study earlier this year, DOT will review the intersection and surrounding area for potential safety enhancements," DOT spokesman Nick Mosquera said in a statement.

Following the 7:30 a.m. collision, four children in the bus ranging in age from five to 10 who were en route to P.S. 23 and P.S. 25, were sent to Staten Island University North Hospital along with the 70-year-old bus driver and 58-year-old bus matron. Also hospitalized was the driver of the pick-up truck, identified in press reports as FDNY Capt. Gary Cline, 46, and his 15-year-old daughter. The FDNY said the injured when transported were in serious condition. 

Cops said the bus had stopped at a stop sign at Preston Ave. and began traveling northwest when it was broadsided by the truck going northeast on Oakdale. No summonses were issued.

According to the DOT, there were zero injuries or fatalities at the intersection between 2007 and 2011. But residents of the area have complained for years that the intersection is dangerous and requested various extra safety measures, from speed bumps to additional stop signs.