Truck accident leaves 10 dead en route to college visit

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Truck Accidents

Chicago residents have likely heard about the tragic story involving students on their way to a college visit. The students were travelling by bus in northern California last week when a tractor-trailer crashed into the bus and killed 10 people, five of which were students in their teens. Others killed include both the bus driver and the truck driver, a college recruiter and two chaperones.

According to reports from the National Transportation Safety Board, the semi-truck was travelling on Interstate 5 in California. The truck apparently crossed over a 58-foot median from the southbound lane into a north-travelling lane and hit one car and then crashed into the bus. Subsequent investigation into the crash scene showed no evidence that the truck driver tried to brake, either in the median or when the truck crossed into the northbound lane.

It was a different story for the bus driver, who clearly tried to avoid the accident. Investigators believe that the bus driver tried to swerve to avoid impact. Investigators will also review blood samples from the bus driver and semi driver to test for alcohol or other drugs.

In addition to those who lost their lives, 30 plus other people suffered injuries in the crash. The story is especially difficult considering the nature of the bus trip. The students were participating in a program designed to help disadvantaged student seek out college degrees.

Authorities are not yet sure what caused the semi-truck to cross over the median and lose control of the truck. Due to the seriousness of the truck accident, the investigation is expected to continue nearly two weeks.

Families of truck accident victims are never prepared for such heartache. The feeling of loss will likely never subside but families may be able to seek some recourse through a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of a Chicago truck accident lawyer.

Source: Chicago Tribune, "Truck in deadly California crash on fire before collision: witness," Sharon Bernstein, April 12, 2014