Last week we wrote a post on the tragic fatal accident that occurred in Oregon in late December. Since then, new information has come to light regarding the matter which has led the United States to ban the bus company from operating in the country. It reportedly has a history of violating Department of Transportation regulations.

Mi Joo Tour & Travel Ltd., which is based in Vancouver, Canada, has been accused of additional violations related to the recent crash that injured a total of 39 occupants and sadly killed 9.The ban is the result of findings after the December accident.

Immediately following the crash the bus company did not have the driver of the vehicle tested for alcohol or drugs. In addition, and perhaps most troubling, it was determined that the number of hours the driver behind the wheel of the bus when the crash occurred had logged in the week prior to the incident was over the allotted amount. Rather than stopping at 70 as is required in the United States, the driver was up to 92 hours. The DOT ultimately determined the presence of the bus company's vehicles on roads in the U.S. posed an "imminent hazard to public safety".

It seems almost certain that with so many injuries and deaths resulting from the accident that civil lawsuits will be filed. This is fortunately an option for individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence of another. We will certainly follow the story and provide any updates on the matter as they become available.

Source: CNN, "Bus company in fatal Oregon crash banned from U.S." Mike M. Ahlers, Jan. 9, 2013