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Sam Penrod Reporting It's been nine months since the deadly bus crash on the Nebo loop road. Seven elderly people were killed; several others were injured while on a sightseeing trip.
The report on the accident was released today and the investigation shows a disturbing lack of maintenance on the bus.
It’s been a long exhaustive investigation by the Utah Highway Patrol and the Juab County Attorney. Prosecutors say while there is evidence of negligence by the bus company, it does not rise to level of criminal charges.
Last year the bus was carrying passengers from Senior Friends. It was traveling down the winding Nebo way when it started going out of control, rolled on its side and slid down the road. Seven people were killed in the accident.
Today’s accident report said the bus had defective breaks; three of the six breaks on the bus had problems; one failed completely. The report also shows a serious lack of maintenance records on the bus and other violations not related to the crash that should have kept it from ever being on the road that day.
The investigation points the finger at the mechanics of the bus and also suggests that the management of Donna’s Tours should have ensured the bus was in good working condition.
While no criminal charges have been filed, it is the prosecutor’s opinion the families of the victims could have a case for negligence in civil court. Donna’s tours says the company is relieved no criminal charges will be brought and it has already settled out of court with several victims.
