At least seven people, including two young siblings, lost their lives in a devastating bus accident in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on Saturday morning. Dozens more were injured when the bus overturned on Interstate 20 due to an apparent tire failure, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
A horrific bus crash in Vicksburg, Mississippi, has claimed the lives of seven passengers and left dozens injured, casting a pall of grief over the community. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a go-team to investigate the cause of the fatal accident, which occurred around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, on Interstate 20 near Vicksburg.
Tragic Mississippi Bus Crash: Tire Failure Suspected
Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash was caused by tire failure. NTSB member Tood Inman stated that the team will be examining various factors contributing to the accident, including the motor carrier's safety protocols, tire maintenance, and occupant protection.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that the bus, a 2018 Volvo commercial passenger bus, overturned after experiencing a tire failure. Six passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, while a seventh victim succumbed to injuries at Merit Health Hospital in Vicksburg.
Tragic Mississippi Bus Crash: Tire Failure Suspected
Among the deceased were two siblings, ages 6 and 16, according to Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey. The identity of the other victims has not yet been released. Thirty-seven injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Vicksburg and Jackson.
NTSB investigators are working to determine the bus's itinerary and gather information from the digital recorder to establish its origin and destination. Inman noted that the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released as they become available.
Tragic Mississippi Bus Crash: Tire Failure Suspected
The Mexican carrier operating the bus has been identified, and investigators will scrutinize its safety record and compliance with regulations. The NTSB will also examine tire maintenance practices and the condition of the bus's tires.
Occupant protection will be a key focus of the investigation, with investigators assessing the seat belt usage and the overall design of the bus. Inman emphasized that the NTSB's primary goal is to prevent future accidents by identifying and addressing safety hazards.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the Vicksburg community and beyond. Local authorities and emergency responders have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and loved ones. Red Cross volunteers have provided assistance to the injured and their families.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is assisting the NTSB with the investigation. MBI spokesperson Warren Strain praised the swift response of first responders and the cooperation from the NTSB.
The NTSB is expected to issue a preliminary report on the crash within the next few days. The final report, which will include recommendations to prevent similar incidents, will be released at a later date.
