Multiple people died and dozens more suffered injuries in a bus crash in DeSoto County, Mississippi on Thursday, November 14, 2018. The bus was on its way from Huntsville to Tunica with 46 people on board when it crashed on I-269 at around 12:30 p.m. At least two people died and 44 others were injured—including two who suffered critical injuries—in the Mississippi bus crash.
At Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, we’re honored to have represented victims of bus tragedies. Our attorneys are highly experienced in investigating and litigating bus crashes and have been involved in complex cases including the Seattle Duck Boat accident and the Orange Unified school bus crash. It is our mission to hold those responsible for catastrophic bus accidents, accountable for their actions.
I-269 Bus Crash Victims Identified
Investigators told reporters they believe the accident happened when the bus hit a patch of ice and flipped over, citing icy conditions and sleet and snow. Passengers were on their way from Huntsville to Tunica, a town known for casinos when they were involved in the bus crash.
Witnesses said the driver lost control and the bus rolled over. Investigators have not released details on whether speed was a factor.
At least two people died and 44 suffered injuries as a result of the bus crash. Killed in the crash were 70-year-old Betty Russell and 61-year-old Cynthia Hardin, both from Huntsville. Among the injuries sustained were broken ribs, broken limbs, and concussions. Two victims were taken to the Regional One Health trauma center in Memphis with critical injuries.
Additionally, patients went to Baptist DeSoto hospital, Baptist Collierville Hospital, and Methodist Hospital.
Tour Bus Company, Teague VIP Express, had Previous Violations
Teague VIP Express, the Alabama bus company that owned the tour bus involved in the Mississippi casino bus crash, had 15 violations within two years. Of those 15 violations, officials issued 13 in February 2017 resulting in three buses being taken out of service.
Among the violations the bus company was cited for were:
- Defective axle parts
- issues with steering systems
- Faulty hazard lights
- Inoperative turn signals
Despite the prior violations, the company was not involved in any crashes.
Bus Crash Attorneys
At Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, we’re dedicated to obtaining justice for our clients, and we fight tirelessly against the tour, casino, and charter bus owners and operators who put profits above safety. We’re also committed to improving safety standards in the tour bus industry and have been part of vital safety campaigns and investigations regarding the transportation industry. For more than 25 years, our attorneys have represented passengers who have been harmed in bus crashes, giving us the in-depth experience needed to handle any bus crash lawsuit.
Too often, passenger lives are put in jeopardy by bus companies that fail to properly repair and maintain their vehicles, do not use adequate safety restraints, or require bus drivers to work long hours. Accidents caused by these circumstances are unacceptable, and bus companies must be held accountable for their negligence.
If you or someone you love was harmed in the Mississippi casino bus crash, contact an attorney at Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman today or call us at (855) 948-5098.
