The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is in the final stages of its investigation of a motorcoach crash that killed 15 in New York last year and will meet on June 5, 2012, to determine the probable cause of the crash.
On March 12, 2011, at approximately 5:45 a.m., a motorcoach, operated by World Wide Travel of Greater New York LTD, collided with a roadside barrier adjacent to the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in the vicinity of mile marker 3.2. The crash killed 15 of the 32 passengers on board; 17 passengers and the driver suffered minor to serious injuries. The motorcoach was returning to New York City from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.
The condition of all mechanical components of the motorcoach were documented and evaluated on scene in New York; investigators found no pre-crash mechanical anomalies that would have any effect on the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle. The driver's toxicology tests were negative for alcohol and drugs.
The draft report presented to the five NTSB members will include the following issue areas: survival factors, driver background and human factors, highway design, vehicle factors, motor carrier oversight, and the company operating and safety history.
The NTSB will deliberate on the investigative findings and proposed safety recommendations, and will determine the probable cause of the crash.
To view the dedicated crash investigation page, click here.