4 students killed in team bus crash

Massachusetts residents may have hear about the Sept. 26 bus crash in Oklahoma that killed four university students. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a semi-truck veered into oncoming traffic lanes and hit the side of a bus carrying 15 female softball players. The accident occurred on Interstate 35 near Davis as the bus was returning from a scrimmage against Southern Nazarene University.

Three softball players died at the scene while another died after she was transported to a nearby hospital. On Sept. 27, an 18-year-old player was listed in critical condition, and a 19-year-old was said to be in fair condition. The team coach, who was behind the wheel of the bus at the time of the crash, and the remaining nine players were discharged from the hospital after they received treatment.

The 53-year-old semitrailer driver was also taken to a hospital for treatment, and he was later released. Police are still investigating why the semi crossed into the southbound lanes. At the time of the crash, sources say that the weather was clear and dry. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are also conducting an investigation. No charges have been filed against the truck driver as of yet.

When a loved one loses their life in a fatal truck accident, family members could be devastated. The financial repercussions can add to that devastation when medical bills and final expenses for the deceased become overwhelming. A personal injury attorney could help a family should they choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. In the event investigators reveal that a truck company was negligent in maintaining its semitrailers, a lawsuit could also be filed against it.

Source: CBS News, “Deadly collision involving college softball team’s bus“, September 30, 2014