The fatal bus accident in Mississippi that resulted in the deaths of seven passengers, including two young siblings, and left several others injured has been investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB revealed that the crash, which occurred on Interstate 20 near Vicksburg, Mississippi, was believed to have been caused by tire failure. A go-team consisting of 17 individuals was dispatched to the scene to conduct a safety investigation into the incident. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that the crash involved a 2018 Volvo commercial passenger bus and took place around 12:40 a.m. in Warren County.
Tood Inman, a member of the NTSB, expressed condolences to those affected by the tragic accident during a press conference. Inman stated that the NTSB team would be looking into various factors that may have contributed to the crash, including the motor safety carrier, tire maintenance, and occupant protection. Six passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, while one passed away at a hospital. Thirty-seven passengers were transported to hospitals in Vicksburg and Jackson with unspecified injuries. It was revealed that the co-driver of the bus did not require medical attention.
Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey confirmed that two of the deceased victims were siblings, ages 6 and 16. The NTSB indicated that further information about the bus’s itinerary would be obtained as the investigation progressed. Once the bus’s data is retrieved, it will provide details about the bus’s origin and travel plans. The NTSB team will continue to analyze the specifics of the incident to determine the exact cause of the tire failure and subsequent crash. The Mexican carrier operating the bus in the U.S. will also be scrutinized as part of the investigation.
In the wake of the tragic bus accident, the NTSB is working closely with the Mississippi Highway Patrol to gather information and conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances leading up to the crash. While details about the tire failure and other contributing factors remain under investigation, the NTSB team is committed to determining the root cause of the incident. By coordinating with local authorities and engaging in a comprehensive safety investigation, the NTSB aims to provide answers and insights that can prevent similar accidents in the future. The NTSB is dedicated to enhancing transportation safety and ensuring that such tragedies are avoided through effective measures and protocols.
