Mechanical Problems Cause Fatal Bus Crash Outside of San Antonio, Texas
A bus crash Tuesday that killed two people and injured many more was likely caused by a broken drive shaft, according to investigators. The bus, on its way to Matamoros, Mexico, underwent its regularly scheduled maintenance the day before the crash.
The crash killed Christina Lozano Campos 62, of Lewisville, and Efrain Dominguez-Valenzuela, 27, of Brownsville. Two other people were hospitalized and in critical condition Wednesday. Many of the other passengers were treated at the hospital for minor injuries.
The Americanos USA bus was carrying 42 people and driving along I-37 through Campbellton, about 45 miles from San Antonio, when it went from the right lane toward the median, spun out of control, and turned over on its side. Investigators think the drive shaft, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels, fell off causing the accident. Newer buses are equipped with safety devices to catch a broken drive shaft, but even these can fail, said Motorcoach Training & Development Inc., a company that trains and certified bus mechanics.
Americanos USA is operated by Greyhound Lines Inc. According to Grayhound’s parent company, FirstGroup America, the 15-year-old bus had undergone its scheduled maintenance the day before the accident, which included routine inspection of the engine, tires, brakes and wheels. The National Transportation Safety Board is not planning to investigate because its initial assessment turned up no new potential safety issues involving the company or crash, according to an NTSB spokesperson. According to the Department of Public Safety, these finding are preliminary and they are still investigating the crash.
Americanos USA has a good safety record. It has been involved in one accident for every 13 buses. By comparison, Grayhound has been involved in one accident for every eight buses. Over the last two years, investigators placed Americanos USA buses out of service following 11.2 % of inspections. 22.3 % of inspections lead to buses being placed out of service nationally.
Information provided by Texas Board Certified Accident Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, in Dallas at 214-327-8000, and toll free across Texas at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.
