The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a preliminary report on a Sept. 21 bus crash in Bear that claimed three lives. The report did not cite reasons for the crash, which remains under investigation.
The 1996 Setra motorcoach with 50 passengers, owned by AM USA Express Incorporated, was traveling south on Delaware Route 1 when it overturned on an exit ramp.
The 56-year-old driver has been charged in connection with the crash.
According to the report, 400 feet of tire marks was documented on the roadway surface. The marks indicate that after the motorcoach entered the sharper portion of the curve, it ran off the left outside pavement edge. The motorcoach entered a grass and dirt area and rolled over on its left side, coming to rest about 28 feet off the roadway.
Except for the driver’s seat, the vehicle was not equipped— nor was it required to be equipped —w ith seat belts.
The bus sustained extensive damage to the left side, roof, and related support structures. The majority of the left-side windows were popped out during the rollover.
Using 3D laser scanning technology, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators documented the accident scene and the motorcoach. (See image).
NTSB investigators are analyzing information to determine the activities of the motorcoach driver leading up to and during this trip.
The trip originated from the Hagerstown, Md. area, and the vehicle traveled to Washington DC, where the passengers toured various attractions. From D.C., the motorcoach was to travel to Independence Mall in Philadelphia, and end the trip in New York, City.
The motorcoach owner, which is based in New York City, operates four motorcoaches and two mini buses.
At the time of the accident, the carrier had not received a safety rating and was considered to be an unrated carrier. NTSB investigators continue to work with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct an in-depth review of the company’s safety and operation practices.
