NTSB: Driver Fatigue Factor In Fatal Sky Express Bus Crash
RICHMOND, Va. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Federal officials say a Virginia bus crash that killed four people and injured dozens was likely caused by driver fatigue and several other factors.
The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday said the low-fare bus company, Sky Express, had no regard for passenger safety.
"Sky Express's failure to exercise even minimal oversight of its drivers' rest and sleep activities enabled the drivers to drive while dangerously fatigued," the report stated.
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The federal agency also said that ineffective government oversight allowed the company to operate despite various safety violations.
The crash happened on May 31, 2011 when a Sky Express bus bound for Chinatown from North Carolina swerved off the road and overturned on Interstate 95 about 30 miles north of Richmond.
Killed were 46-year-old Karen Blyden-Decastro of Cambria Heights, NY, 63-year-old Sie Giok Giang of Philadelphia, 78-year-old Josefa Torres of Jamaica, NY and 25-year-old Denny Estefany Martinez of Jersey City, NJ.
Fifty-four others were injured.
Bus driver Kin Yiu Cheung of Flushing, Queens faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Court records show Cheung told police he fell asleep at the wheel. His trial is set for Nov. 8.
Dispatcher Zhao Jian Chen is set to face the same charges in October.
After the crash, federal officials shut down Sky Express for multiple safety violations.
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