Photo: AP/Kevin Hanson
The crash involving a Bold Lines bus has led to the company's safety records being placed under greater scrutiny by authorities following Wednesday's fatal accident which killed two passengers.
The accident happened two miles west of Austin as the bus returned with passengers from a casino trip in Iowa. Initial reports suggested that the driver apparently became incapacitated as the bus traveled on Interstate 90, causing it to veer across the median before colliding with a ditch and rolling.
The accident injured 19 passengers and driver, Edwin Erickson, was found slumped over the steering wheel by motorists who first arrived at the scene. It was reported he had suffered from some form of aneurism and was later interviewed by state patrol authorities in hospital.
However, information stemming from the investigation and reported by the Star Tribune, throws light on issues with the Bold Line’s safety records. www.startribune.com/local/70489752.html
The Star Tribune report reveals that one of the company’s buses was, according to federal records, taken out of service twice this year following roadside inspections. As well, over the past 30 months in similar inspections, three vehicles were pulled from the road in what is known as “out-of-service” orders. Companies are allowed to operate the buses once those violations have been rectified.
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Minnesota fairs well in general motor coach safety, maintaining the highest available rating over the last ten years. In a cruel twist of irony, the accident happened within a week of the Department of Transportation announcing plans to improve motor coach safety across the nation and address “major safety issues such as driver fatigue and inattention, vehicle rollover, occupant ejections and oversight of unsafe carriers.” www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot17909.htm
During a press conference following the accident, State Patrol Officer, Capt. Matt Langer, said it will be some weeks before the cause of the accident becomes clear. In the meantime Langer revealed an “incredibly detailed” investigation is ongoing which includes examination of the vehicle, as well as company and driver practices. Some information regarding Bold Lines’ seems to have been temporarily pulled from the FMCSA website as that investigation continues. ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SafeStat/CarrierOverview.asp
(Rescue workers tend to passengers most of whom escaped serious injury. Photo: AP/Austin Daily Herald, Eric Johnson)
Most of the passengers were lucky to escape more serious injury and police were full of praise for motorists who were first to respond before emergency workers arrived. Many passengers have since returned home, but as of yesterday about ten remain in hospital with two listed in a more serious condition.
Nathan can be contacted at pricklyhedgehog@yahoo.com and welcomes your comments and suggestions, or you may post below.
For more info: www.startribune.com http://www.pritzkerlaw.com/bus-accidents/strain-tours-lawsuit.html
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