A Z&D tour bus lost control on the Pennsylvania Turnpike about 40 miles from Pittsburgh near Mount Pleasant yesterday setting off a multi-vehicle crash that left five dead and dozens injured. The accident took place just before 4 a.m. when the bus traveling on a downhill grade was unable to navigate a curve in the road, went up and embankment then crashed onto its side and came to rest across both lanes of traffic. Two UPS tractor-trailers, one FedEx tractor-trailer and one passenger car were unable to avoid crashing into the bus.
Emergency crews closed off traffic on the turnpike for the 100-mile stretch that lies between New Stanton and Breezewood, PA while they made their way through the twisted wreckage to rescue 60 injured people transporting many of them to area hospitals.
Killed in the crash were the bus driver Shuang Qing Feng, 58, of Flushing, NY, two bus passengers, Eileen Zelis Aria, 35, from the Bronx and Jaremy Vazquez, a 9-year-old girl from Brooklyn; and two UPS drivers Dennis Kehler, 48, of Lebanon, PA; and Daniel Kepner, 53, of Lewistown, PA.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the crash. A spokeswoman said today that a team of 20 will be at the scene for the next week to 10 days collecting evidence to determine the probable cause of the crash.
The attorneys at Pritzker Hageman represent clients nationwide who have been injured in vehicle crashes and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. Our experienced team can help you seek justice and compensation including funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and other damages. For a free legal consultation, please complete the form below, call 1-888-377-8900, or text 612-261-0856.
