The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a fatal school bus accident involving two school buses and an 18-wheeler.
The school buses were reportedly headed to Six Flags on Thursday morning carrying a busload of girls in one vehicle and a busload of boys in the second. The 4 car crash killed 2 and injured 50. One of the victims killed was 15-year-old Jessica Brinker, a passenger in the school bus, while the other victim was 19-year-old Daniel Schatz. A total of eight victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance.
According to police, Schatz's pick-up truck ran into the back of a Volvo semi truck, which had slowed for road construction. The driver of the first bus was not able to stop in time and rear-end the Volvo tractor-trailer. The second school bus then crashed into the back of the first creating a domino effect.
The initial police report stated that the 75-year-old driver of the first school bus was "inattentive" and the 38-year-old second driver was following too closely. However, Franklin County Prosecutor Bob Parks said he would not decide on the charges until he gets the final police report.
The NTSB is also examining whether seat belts on the bus would have helped.
According to a 2002 study, about 800 students die every year on their way to or from school, while only about 6-8 typically die on school buses. If you, a family member or friend has been injured in an auto accident involving a school bus or 18-wheeler, contact our office today for a free case evaluation. The Alabama Auto Accident Attorneys handles all types of personal injury cases ranging from car wrecks with minor injuries to catastrophic accidents resulting in untimely death. Contact us today at 1-888-580-5176 or 205-324-1212 to see if we can help you.
