The 5 Deadliest Bus Crashes in the U.S.

Buses carry dozens of people along highways, often at fast speeds and sometimes in dangerous conditions. It is no wonder, then, that accidents can happen, and when they do, the risk of injuries is incredible. Take a look at some of the deadliest bus crashes in the U.S. and just how disastrous they are to victims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, seeking legal guidance from a Lexington bus accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

1963 Chualar Bus Crash

The Chualar bus crash occurred in Salinas Valley, California. The incident involved 32 farm workers who were on a makeshift bus, which was actually more like a flatbed truck that had a canopy over the top. It was struck by a train when the bus. The crossing, which was privately owned, did not have any crossing gates or warning lights. The driver was found to be at fault because they did not notice the train approaching.

1976 Yuba High School Bus Crash

A 50-person choir from Yuba City High School was traveling down I-680 over the Benicia Bridge on its way to Orinda, California. According to reports, a warning light indicated to the driver that there was low oil pressure, which caused him to get off the freeway to add oil to avoid an engine failure. When trying to turn, the brakes of the vehicle failed, causing the bus to tip over, and it went over the rail. It landed 25 feet below, and all 29 people on the bus, including 28 students, died in the accident.

1958 Prestonsburg Bus Crash

Another deadly bus crash in the U.S. occurred along U.S. Highway 23 when a Floyd County school bus hit the back of a wrecker truck. The impact caused the bus, which had 48 school children and a driver on board, to plunge over an embankment before landing in the Big Sandy River. The accident resulted in 27 people dying.

1988 Carrollton Bus Crash

A church bus near Carrollton, Kentucky, was heading from Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, after a day of amusement park fun when it was hit by a drunk driver. The accident occurred just before midnight. The impact itself did not cause the fatalities directly. Rather, within moments, the inside of the bus was filled with flames as a result of the gas tank being punctured in the accident. Though 33 people survived the accident, 24 children and 3 adults died in that accident.

1999 Mother’s Day Bus Crash

A charter bus traveling from New Orleans to a Mississippi casino on Mother’s Day in 1999 had 46 people on board. What those heading to the casino did not know was that the driver was intoxicated after using marijuana. The driver reported another car cut him off and he swerved to avoid it, though this was never collaborated.

The bus veered suddenly across three lanes of traffic and missed three vehicles as it did. However, it did hit a guardrail and then went off the road, slamming into an embankment. The result was the death of 22 people on the bus. The driver was later determined to have lost two other bus driving jobs as a result of being intoxicated behind the wheel.

All bus accidents have the potential to cause serious injury. If you are hurt in one, contact us to seek the help of an experienced Lexington personal injury attorney.