I expected to see several high-profile bus and tractor trailer accident reports today. With winds topping out at around 60mph, this is the largest wind event the Roanoke Valley has experienced since the 2012 Derecho. So it came as no surprise when I received an e-mail news alert that a charter bus and tractor trailer had been involved in an accident on I-81 in Pulaski County around 8:15 this morning.
The real surprise came when I read the article posted on the Roanoke Times website and saw that bus driver, Wille F. Walker, age 59, was charged with DUI and possession on Marijuana. What the what? I mean this accident occured at 8:15 AM with a load of college KIDS aboard. Yes, a bus full of someone’s sons and daughters at the beginning stages of their lives was being driven down a highway that has a posted speed limit of 70 mph in high wind conditions by a man who was under the influence! A photograph taken by the Virginia State Police shows the bus completely upside down. Thirteen passengers on the bus received non-life threatening injuries. The Virginia State Police also believe fatigue could have been a factor in the crash as well.
The driver was transported to the New River Valley Regional Jail.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation. The call is free and there is NO time limit for your consultation. (540) 777-4900
