Connecticut residents who follow college softball may have heard that a North Central Texas softball bus was hit on Sept. 26 near Davis, Oklahoma, while returning from a scrimmage. Police say that the accident happened when a semi going north on Interstate 35 crossed into the southbound lanes. Authorities say that the semi went off the road and into a ravine after hitting the bus, and it took nearly an hour to locate it.
There were 15 players on board the bus at the time of the accident. Nine people, including the coach were, treated and released while four players on the team were killed. Two other players remained in the hospital as of Sept. 27, and one of the two was in critical condition. Of the four people who were killed, three were pronounced dead at the crash scene while the fourth died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The 53-year-old driver of the semi was also taken to a hospital, treated and released. He is not facing charges at this time, and source say that both drivers will undergo toxicology tests. Reports indicate that 11 ambulances and several helicopters were at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will both conduct investigations into the accident.
A driver who causes a truck accident that results in injuries may be held financially liable for the wreck. An injured victim might be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages or lost future earnings if he or she is forced to stop working due to permanent injuries. Those who are hurt in an accident could seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney in order to file a claim.
Source: CBS News, “Deadly collision involving college softball team’s bus“, September 27, 2014