Bus Driver Arraigned On Charges In Deadly Train Accident
EVANS CITY (KDKA) -- There are new details in a deadly crash involving a freight train and bus last month in Butler County.
The accident happened on April 26 at the crossing at Maple Avenue in Evans City.
The bus driver, 59-year-old Frank Schaeffner, was in court today for his arraignment.
He is facing a long list of charges including two counts of homicide by vehicle and multiple counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving.
Police released a scathing report saying Schaffner never slowed down, and never looked as he crossed the railroad tracks.
Investigators say a video camera on the bus shows passengers warning Schaffner that a train is coming. It then shows passengers getting ready for a crash.
Earlier this month, investigators received a search warrant to evaluate the contents of two pill bottles found inside the bus, and to do toxicology tests on blood levels of Schaeffner.
Two people died as a result of the accident.
Claudette Miller, 91, of the Borough of Callery, was killed when the bus was struck by the train.
Then, last weekend, a second person who was on the bus died.
John Burkett, 88, of Zelieniople, died last Saturday at a hospice center.
Burkett was one of a dozen passengers on the bus.
Multiple people were injured in the crash. They were traveling on the BART bus, which is operated through Butler County and takes people to appointments and activities.
The train reportedly hit the bus, spun it around and dragged the bus more than 15 feet.
Stay with KDKA for more on this developing story.
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