On Saturday, at 7 p.m. a charter bus crashed in the north of Texas. Even though no other vehicles were affected, the accident ended up with eight people dead and more than 40 others injured.
However, an electronic device was installed in the bus and authorities are trying to reach since the object may provide relevant information that can help authorities clarify the facts in the investigation, as they stated Monday through spokesmen.
About the bus crash
The bus company, OGA Charters, is a small business located in South Texas and this was not the first time it had issues related to security in their units. In 2015, inspectors in Louisiana ordered the company to take a bus out of service. Inspectors ruled the order since it did not fulfill security standards in brakes and emergency exits.
Other 15 violations are on record since 2014, mostly related to vehicle maintenance problems. Although, in the last two years, there were not any reports about crashes with the company, until this accident in Texas.
NTSB to hold press briefing today on TX bus crash at 5 pm CT at Camp Huisache Camp, Hwy 59 & Henry Cuellar Road, Laredo,TX.
— NTSB (@NTSB) May 16, 2016
Who is investigating?
The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent United States Federal Government Agency that receives reports from Public Safety departments, and is responsible in the determination of the probable cause of transportation accidents.
NTSB Investigates Cause of Texas Bus Crash That Killed 8, Injured Dozens https://t.co/XwmaCgqUw9 #NTSB #aviation
— Air365 (@Air365App) May 17, 2016
NTSB and the local Police Department are currently investigating to determine the cause of the crash. This is very relevant to safety issues in the State since it can show if there are any flaws in the bus system or in the transportation networks. Maintenance is something under frequent inspection by authorities and when an accident is reported the supervision increases.
The agency is also trying to check the entire system and mechanisms of the bus company in order to fulfill the routine review of the security standards, but also to further investigate the accident.
Data on buses involved in fatal crashes is annually released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Agency.
Source: Chicago Tribune