NTSB: Tour bus in NYC crash was going up to 78 mph

Thursday, March 31, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) — A top federal transportation official says a casino tour bus involved in a New York City crash that killed 15 people was barreling down the highway at up to 78 mph.

National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman disclosed the information during a U.S. Senate committee hearing in Washington on motor coach safety Wednesday.

She says a video camera on the bus’ windshield “did not record the accident.”

The bus crashed March 12 while returning to the city from a casino in Uncasville (UNK’-ahs-vihl), Conn. It flipped onto one side and struck a pole, which nearly tore off the roof.

A passenger says in a $200 million lawsuit driver Ophadell Williams was asleep at the wheel.

Williams says he was well-rested and alert. His lawyer hasn’t returned a message seeking comment.

More like this story

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Please review our Policies and Procedures before registering or commenting

Or login with:

OpenID

News Tribune