The bus driver who caused a tragic school bus accident in Chattanooga last week is facing charges, and his driving history is being scrutinized. The 24-year-old bus driver was charged with vehicular homicide after his bus slammed into a tree, killing six children and injuring several other. According to the NTSB, the bus driver received his commercial driver's license in April. He was driving bus No. 366 last Monday with 37 students from Woodmore Elementary School. Police say the driver was speeding, lost control of the bus, over-corrected and plowed into a tree on Talley Road.
According to officials, the 24-year-old man had received several complaints from parents and school administrators about recklessness, speeding, and a disregard for the children he was transporting. Authorities say one complaint came just five days before the crash from the principal to the school district’s transportation director. The bus driver was also in a recent accident in September where he was at fault, speeding and struck two cars with a school bus. Police say no one was injured in that crash. The bus driver works for Durham School Services. A spokesperson for Durham School Services says the bus company will cooperate fully with authorities.
The community of Chattanooga mourns the tragic loss of life. Three other children are said to be in critical condition at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. The Chattanooga police along with the NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation.
At Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, our personal injury attorneys will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure you get the damages you are entitled and the justice you deserve. To schedule a free case consultation, contact our St. Louis office today and speak with one of our traffic accident attorneys.