Another casino bus from Connecticut crashes in New York

Private bus companies are under increasing scrutiny after several fatal accidents on the East Coast. Overcrowded, speeding buses, fatigued drivers, failed maintenance and other dangerous conditions on the road can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Last week, a casino bus traveling from Connecticut crashed outside of New York City sending 24 passengers to the hospital.

According to reports, passengers suffered only minor injuries, however the case is still under investigation and it is possible that the bus company and driver could be held liable for passenger injuries. There were 23 passengers on the bus and all of them, plus the driver, were transported to the hospital. No charges have been filed yet against the driver.

The bus was traveling from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut and was slated to arrive in Queens. When driver lost control of the bus while heading south on I-95 in New Rochelle, it struck a center median barrier and then crossed over three southbound lanes before sliding 500 feet.

Only a month ago, the federal government shut down more than two dozen curbside bus operations that carry passengers along the East Coast. Most were shut down for safety violations. This was the largest crackdown in the industry’s history. Last week’s accident occurred close to the same site where a deadly casino bus crash killed 15 passengers last year.

The bus company, The World Wide Tours of Greater New York, was shut down after the accident last week. The driver and the bus company could still be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as any other personal and economic losses caused by the accident.

Source: Hartford Courant, “Tour bus crash north of NYC sends 24 to hospital,” July 4, 2012.