Yesterday’s deadly charter bus crash in Alabama that killed a driver and injured dozens of Channelview High School students was the second fatal accident in less than a year for Houston, Texas-based First Class Tours.
Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by First Class Tours Bus in Houston
Records from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) indicate that another charter bus operated by First Class Tours struck and killed an elderly woman in downtown Houston last May.
Authorities investigating that incident say that the bus driver failed to yield the right-of-way. However, no citations were issued after the accident.
The DOT database also indicates that buses owned and operated by First Class Tours were involved in three other accidents over the past two years, making Tuesday’s fatal wreck the company’s fifth accident during that time period. No injuries were reported in connection with the three earlier crashes.
First Class Tours Hit with Two Unsafe Driving Violations in Past Two Years
First Class Tours has also received two unsafe driving violations in the past two years, including a speeding violation for driving 11-14 mph above the posted speed limit.
Another driver was cited for failing to use his seatbelt.
9 Remain Hospitalized, Including 2 in Serious Condition
The most recent fatal accident involving First Class Tours occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. on March 13th, along I-10 near the Alabama-Florida state line.
40 Channelview High School band students and six adults were returning to Texas after a competition at Disney World, when their bus suddenly left the roadway and careened into a 50-foot ravine.
Harry Caligone, 65, a veteran driver with First Class Tours, died at the scene.
Up to 37 people were injured, including dozens of children who were transferred to 10 different hospitals in Florida and Alabama.
At least 9 people remain hospitalized today, including two listed in serious condition. Seven are in good or stable condition.
“Certainly, there were some injuries—I don’t want to downplay that—but from when I got the call this morning and from what I saw, thank God we’re blessed and our students were better than what we anticipate,” Channelview ISD Superintendent Greg Ollis told reporters during a briefing yesterday afternoon.
Channelview High School Bus Crash Survivors Return to Texas
A second charter bus carrying Channelview High School students was not involved in the accident and returned to Texas around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
They were greeted by fellow classmates who had gathered outside of the school to welcome them home.
Superintendent Ollis indicated that the District is working with parents to get the other students home as safely as possible.
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