A 26-year-old mother has had her right leg amputated after a Jeep crashed into a bus stop in south Phoenix, leaving her family calling for greater protection for people waiting for public transport.
Maritza Sanchez was among four people struck near the intersection of 46th Street and Baseline Road at about 8.15am on Wednesday, October 28. The crash also left two teenagers injured, while the driver of the Jeep was taken to hospital in a stable condition. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://fox10phoenix.com/news/child-teen-among-4-critically-hurt-phoenix-bus-stop-crash))
Sanchez’s partner, Johnny Garcia, said he had kissed her goodbye that morning before she left for the bus stop. He became alarmed when her location stopped moving and was then told to go to hospital.
Police said the driver of a white Jeep ran a red light and collided with another vehicle before losing control and ploughing into the bus stop. Investigators said speed could have been a factor, although they did not suspect impairment. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://fox10phoenix.com/news/child-teen-among-4-critically-hurt-phoenix-bus-stop-crash))
Sanchez was taken to hospital in critical condition. Doctors initially feared she could lose both legs, but surgeons were able to save her left leg and amputated the right.
Garcia said Sanchez could move her toes and feel touch in the leg that was saved, but warned that the injury would change her life.
He described Sanchez as a mother of three who works full-time and studies at Arizona State University. He said she had a large network of family, friends and colleagues supporting her recovery.
“People shouldn’t have to be afraid of going to the bus and waiting in a public setting,” Garcia said, urging Phoenix officials to improve safety at bus stops.
One person was trapped beneath the vehicle and had to be freed by emergency crews, according to the Phoenix Fire Department. Police have not said whether the Jeep driver will face charges. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://fox10phoenix.com/news/child-teen-among-4-critically-hurt-phoenix-bus-stop-crash))
