[B]Bronx tour bus crash on highway kills at least 14 people after bus smashes into traffic pole

[BZGuy]

I also wondered if anyone else saw this tractor trailer? Any passengers, witnesses? I've got to say if you are behind the 8 ball for killing 13 people and injuring many more, that tractor trailer is a great excuse..

 

I heard they got a partial license plate number.

[Shortline Bus]

I heard they got a partial license plate number.

 

 

I seen police solve crimes i.e murder cases show on "America's Most Wanted" with hard clues. With the media attention, I be very surprised if the NYPD does not find this truck driver.

 

'1' change out of this accident, I am sure is more cameras on that part of I-95(New England Thruway)and Hutch Interchange at the NYC/Westchester border.

[Shortline Bus]

Just saw on the news that the final death toll from this tragic crash could be as high as 19-20. '5' of the passengers/victims are in very serious condition or intense care at local Bronx Hosptials.:cry:

[metsfan]

As tragic as this is, i'm somehow not taken by surprise by it. Some drivers (no matter the vehicle) are a bit extreme in braking & acceleration and can potentially over-correct & end up in the ditch/bridge pier/wall.

 

As far as top heavy, i think that will come into play, and perhaps non baggage carrying tall busses will be required in the future to carry some kind of "ballast" in the baggage compartment below.

 

- A

[Roadcruiser1]

No what is really needed is more strict testing to be any sort of bus driver. It should be as strict as the laws are to hire a T/O in the . The higher your score the better the chance, and you have to wait, and if you do anything that slips you up then you are out.

[Burrstone]

I heard they got a partial license plate number.

 

According to Newsday the truck was found on Long Island and impounded...

 

(from NY1)"What we believe so far is that the bus was traveling west-bound in the center line. The truck was adjacent to it in the left-hand lane. The truck perhaps struck the bus or at least started moving toward the bus," police commissioner Ray Kelly told reporters Saturday afternoon.

 

....

 

Kopy said there were reports of a "number of witnesses" who had said that the bus was being "operated at a high rate of speed" just prior to the crash. He also said that a video camera aboard the bus would be examined for evidence.

[Forest Glen]

It is possible that the B/O fell asleep:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/nyregion/13buses.html?src=mv&ref=nyregion

[aemoreira81]

No what is really needed is more strict testing to be any sort of bus driver. It should be as strict as the laws are to hire a T/O in the . The higher your score the better the chance, and you have to wait, and if you do anything that slips you up then you are out.

 

That's already done---in NY, every commercial bus driver must recertify every other year.

[FamousNYLover]

Wow, this is very tragedic.

Speaking of this, what happened to case on MTA Express Buses that was on FDR Drive South lost control, hitting guardrail and media said it was possibly avoiding swering car.

[metsfan]

No what is really needed is more strict testing to be any sort of bus driver. It should be as strict as the laws are to hire a T/O in the . The higher your score the better the chance, and you have to wait, and if you do anything that slips you up then you are out.

 

I'm talking specifically about vehicle safety, not anything related to a driver. This isn't the first time a tall bus fell over.

 

- A

[Shortline Bus]

An update in this morning 3/13/11 Daily News.

 

Bus driver is wracked by guilt, says wife who told him accident is not his fault

BY Ben Chapman, Irving Dejohn and Larry Mcshane

NY DAILY NEWS WRITERS

 

Sunday, March 13th 2011

 

 

"The Driver involved in Bronx crash, had been cited for numerous violationsThe driver of the Bronx death bus is wracked with guilt that a trip he made five nights a week ended in tragedy Saturday, his wife said.

 

Ophadell Williams, 40, a longtime bus driver - who has a rap sheet that includes a 2003 guilty plea to driving without a license - survived the crash that killed 14 others.

 

The married father of five routinely made the round trip ferrying gamblers from Chinatown to the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Conn., said his wife, Holly.

 

He "feels like he's at fault," his wife said. "But I told him it's not his fault - it's an accident. He feels upset that a lot of people died on his bus."

 

Williams, who also has convictions for grand larceny and disorderly conduct, does the route along Interstate 95 five times a week on the night shift.

 

He started driving a bus at age 18, and just started working for World Wide Tours about six months ago, she said.

 

The couple married 10 years ago and live in Bushwick, Brooklyn, with their three daughters and two sons.

 

"He is a good boy," said neighbor Felicia Jasper, 77, a retired teacher. "He works. He's not a drug addict. This is upsetting."

 

Williams, who amazingly escaped death or serious injury in the horrifying crash, wept when his wife came to see him at the hospital.

 

"I said, 'Hi, my love,' and he was just crying," Holly Williams said.

 

Ophadell Williams wound up in a neck brace and suffered scrapes along his chest, legs and forehead.

 

One of the passengers said the injured driver quickly sprung into action to help his injured riders.'

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/03/13/2011-03-13_he_feels_like_hes_at_fault_bus_driver_is_wracked_by_guilt_sez_wife.html

 

 

 

 

 

IMO let us wait until we found the real cause before we make any comments. If it's proven Mr. Williams was speeding at time of this tragic event, he going to be arrestred.

[553 Bridgeton]

They always bring out a rap sheet in these cases.

[R68 Subway Car]

Lesson learned in this: DO NOT RIDE ON CHEAP BUSES!

[553 Bridgeton]

Lesson learned in this: DO NOT RIDE ON CHEAP BUSES!

 

If I could I would have thanked you x1000. I rather spend the money on Academy/Greyhound/CUSA. Those cheap buses may seem nice saving money, but I rather get back home with my body in tact. Those drivers have no regard for human life and most of them cant get jobs with New Jersey Transit/Academy/Greyhound/CUSA because of there bad driving history.

[B35 via Church]

The tour bus was found in long island & impounded....

 

 

He "feels like he's at fault," his wife said.

This reckless ass bus driver should've been IMpounded....

[DOB2RTO]

They always bring out a rap sheet in these cases.

 

Yes they do, especially for those with CDL licenses. World Wide should have found this "rap sheet' and should have never hired him. But that is what smaller companies do. MTA is strict, Liberty Lines is even more stricter, NJT is strict. Sadly I wouldn't put the nations carrier Greyhound in this class, but usually their drivers crash due to fatigue, due to the company threats to fire you, if you don't make a run, tired or not..........

 

World Wide tours, is well known around the NYC area. They have powerful Prevost H3-45, and I know they drive the hell out of those buses, especially doing those line runs. MCI D4500, and Prevost X3-45 are the best buses, due to their lower center of gravity. At campus, I asked for the MCI 102-DL3 (aka D4500, aka D-model), during the snowy weather. The Van-Hool T-2145, and Prevost H3-45, are notorious for being the top heavy models that will roll over. When I drove the Van-Hools, I could fell that weight shift. Campus had the Van-Hools governed to 72mph though. The MCI's were capable of 74mph, along with the two E models (aka Renaissance, aka E-4500). The MCI E-Model, is a study big boy also........

 

World Wide is capable of running, as they have left me in the dust, when I had my coach maxed out in speed. Even if a coach can run 90mph, there is a time and place for everything, and that section where the bus flipped, isn't one of those spots to do that. Traffic stops alot there, and traffic gets heavy there. Van-Hool T-2145 is 11'11, the Prevost H3-45 is 12'4, the MCI E and J models are 11'10, the D-models are 11'5, and the Prevost X3-45 is 11'2........

 

Still hate hearing or seeing stories of motorcoaches flipping over, with people on them. Greyhound, Fung-Wah, World-Wide, Trailways (the New York State ones such as, Adirondack, Pine Hill, New York), have been recent ones. Never good, never good, as 22-25tons don't roll over nicely...........

[553 Bridgeton]

Yeah NJT is very strict. If you have more then 2pts forget about it. Yeah I heard about those H3s. They just look top heavy to begin with. I just dont like those tall buses period. D4500s are the best hands down and now companies are starting to take on X3s more now. I wasnt saying bringing out the rap sheet was bad, but with those small companies, they over look that and hire them to get there ish done.

[DOB2RTO]

Yeah NJT is very strict. If you have more then 2pts forget about it. Yeah I heard about those H3s. They just look top heavy to begin with. I just dont like those tall buses period. D4500s are the best hands down and now companies are starting to take on X3s more now. I wasnt saying bringing out the rap sheet was bad, but with those small companies, they over look that and hire them to get there ish done.

 

Look at what they pay, and that is why. Academy pay is horrendous also, but at least they use the monies ripping off their drivers, to get updated good equipment, and they maintain their stuff. Coach USA on the other hand, it depends on the sub company. Peter Pan is good. I only wish I got to drive a Prevost, both the H3-45, and the X3-45. Most companies are going with the X3-45 cause it is hell to get a D4500, and I agree, the best damn coach ever made. Weigh distribution is great, from front to back, and that is why they are great for snowy weather, and slick roads. The X3-45 (formerly the Le-Mirage), is built about the same, and I love the Prevost look, on the X3-45. Boxy, but with curves in the right places...........

 

Oh my lawd, now I sound like those who talk about the "sexy trains".................

[Forest Glen]

I'm talking specifically about vehicle safety, not anything related to a driver. This isn't the first time a tall bus fell over.

 

- A

 

There was nothing wrong with the bus. The dude fell asleep. The type of accident that occured is consistent with a B/O falling asleep. The passengers said he was drifting to the side. In fact, he was heading to the Hutch and the Hutch bans commercial traffic. There was no mystery tractor trailer. He should be charged with manslaughter and perjury.

 

Lesson learned in this: DO NOT RIDE ON CHEAP BUSES!

 

I'm still riding Megabus. Megabus enables me to take mini vacations in which I spend less money than the LIRR. Accidents happen

[553 Bridgeton]

I wouldnt even trust Megabus.

[Forest Glen]

I wouldnt even trust Megabus.

 

incorrect

[Shortline Bus]

incorrect

 

 

 

Forest Glen seriously who cares what anybody else think. Are you an executive with MegaBus/coach USA? If you want to ride it despite the risks it has go ahead as you a grown man. You probably be the first to sue if anything went wrong with MegaBus.

[Forest Glen]

There's nothing wrong with Megabus. I've used it a half dozen times. I wish the media would stop associating Megabus with these random Chinatown buses. Those are two distinct entities.

[553 Bridgeton]

incorrect

 

Im entitled to my opinion. Megabus is not worth it.

 

Cheap bus companies hire drivers that cant get jobs with larger known bus companies, and state and transit companies. Most transit style companies will not look at a driver with a rap sheet with 2 or more points. When I went for an interview at CUSA:Community Coach, they didnt even look at my driving record. For hell, I could have had 10 DUIs. When I went for NJT everything came up and I mean everything. I only had 2 points on my driving record, however that was still a pending matter in court which later got downgraded to a no point ticket.

 

I dont like the idea of those dd buses they use. They cant drive on any and any road and if a driver has to detour he is in deep shyt. If its not a D4000 or D4500 and X3 I aint going, and I drive D4500CLs and D4000s, so I wouldnt be saying this just to say it. Im sure BZ and Knightrider can chime in also.

[BZGuy]

There's nothing wrong with Megabus. I've used it a half dozen times. I wish the media would stop associating Megabus with these random Chinatown buses. Those are two distinct entities.

 

People associate Megabus w/the Chinatown buses because of Mega's reputation. Megabus rep has gone down hill big time because of their accidents and their rapid expansion. Any warm body with a CDL can go down to CUSA and get a job at Megabus.... that's FACT! One driver that got fired from Peter Pan for accidents and assaulting a passenger is now driving for Mega. Academy wouldn't even touch him....so that tells you what your $1 fare is getting you.

 

I dont like the idea of those dd buses they use. They cant drive on any and any road and if a driver has to detour he is in deep shyt. If its not a D4000 or D4500 and X3 I ain't going, and I drive D4500CLs and D4000s, so I wouldn't be saying this just to say it. I'm sure BZ and Knightrider can chime in also.

 

When DATTCO started doing subservice for Megabus w/the 4505s one of my friends bid onto the contract for the stability of a scheduled line run and the money. A month after they put the DDs out there,he got off of it. His exact quote "I'm not driving those f**king deathtraps!" This from someone with 15+ years driving motorcoachs all over the U.S.

 

I used to see them sitting on the Deegan all the time, while I could jump off,run local though the Bronx and make the PABT in no time. Let's see them take a TD925 under the "el" on Jerome Av!:eek: For some people time is money....that 45 mins that I save by detouring makes up for the slightly higher fare.The base fare from NYC to Boston on PP/GLI is $36 and Bolt is $30, most times you can get them cheaper. If you can't afford to pay that for 430 mile RT then quite frankly, maybe you shouldn't be traveling.

 

But to go back to this accident I have my own personal theory on what happened: The driver was nodding off at times, woke up as the truck was passing and panicked. It doesn't take much to flip a bus @ 75-80mph. And before anybody asks me how I know he's speeding, he left Mohegan Sun @ 345am and was in outside of Eastchester at 530am. Even at that time of the morning that's alot of mileage to cover in that amount of time.

 

Those overnight casino runs are rough on drivers, because you can't get any sleep. You may close your eyes but trying to sleep in one of those seats is not happening. Add to the fact that there is always someone pulling in or out of the bus parking area adds to the noise.....I remember falling asleep once just to have the dude from Harris Tours rev his engine full blast to build up air pressure!:mad:

 

I would hate to be a casino line run driver for the next couple of months because the DOT is gonna be all over them for logbooks and vehicle defects...it's not gonna be pretty but it necessary.