NTSB Determines Cause Of Bus Fire In Texas That Killed 23 During Hurricane Rita Evacuation

ntsb.gov, Feb 26, 2007

The National Transportation Safety Board today determined that the cause of a fatal bus fire in Texas was insufficient lubrication in the right-side tag axle wheel bearing assembly of the motorcoach resulting in increased temperatures and subsequent failed wheel bearings, which led to ignition of the tire and a catastrophic fire. Global Limo, Inc. failed to conduct proper vehicle maintenance, to do pre-trip inspections, and to complete post-trip driver vehicle inspection reports, thereby allowing the insufficient wheel bearing lubrication to go undetected.

“We will not cease our efforts to push for change to prevent these kinds of accidents from occurring,” said NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. “ However, unless there is adequate oversight, I am afraid we will continue to see motorcoach accidents that contribute to the unacceptable number of deaths on our nation’s highway.”

On September 23, 2005, a 1998 Motor Coach Industries 54-passenger motorcoach, operated by Global Limo Inc., of Pharr, Texas, was traveling northbound on Interstate 45 near Wilmer, Texas. The motorcoach, en route from Bellaire to Dallas, Texas, as part of the evacuation in anticipation of Hurricane Rita, was carrying 44 assisted living facility residents and nursing staff. A motorist passing by the motorcoach alerted the driver that the right-rear tire hub was glowing red. The driver and nursing staff exited the motorcoach and observed flames emanating from the right-rear wheel well. As they initiated an evacuation, with the assistance from passersby, heavy smoke and fire quickly engulfed the entire vehicle. Twenty-three of the 44 passengers were fatally injured, 2 were seriously injured and 19 received minor injuries. The driver also received minor injuries. Read more at ntsb.gov.