Both drivers who were involved in a shuttle bus and tractor trailer crash near the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia face legal charges stemming from the accident, in which more than a dozen people were injured.
Mario Cochran, the driver of the tractor-trailer, is now facing three counts of serious injury by motor vehicle and is also being charged with an improper left turn. Yolanda Boles, the shuttle bus driver, is also facing three counts of serious injury by motor vehicle, operating a commercial vehicle without a commercial license, and operating a unsafe vehicle.
According to the recently released police report, Yolanda Boles should not have been driving the bus. The report states that she did not have the proper commercial driver’s license to drive a large vehicle like a bus. Her employer, MTI, recently released the following statement, “On that day, Ms. Yolanda Boles mistakenly took command of a larger vehicle than one for which she was rated.”
The report on the incident states that the bus contained no brake fluid and that the metal wires in the tires were showing through the rubber. According to a press release by MTI, Boles was instructed to, “check the brake fluid level, and if she found it to be low, to replace the fluid.” All MTI drivers understand that if vehicle operation or safety is ever in question, they are to immediately take the vehicle out of operation and follow maintenance protocols.
Yolanda Boles had not been previously cited for any similar violations by MTI. The only citation on record for her was for tardiness.
Authorities state that they have also cited MTI for allowing an unlicensed person to drive. According to local authorities, MTI may face more charges in the future. Lawsuits from victims may also be on the horizon.
According to College Park police, sixteen people on the shuttle bus were injured when it crashed on the road that loops around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The bus skidded 158 feet before the impact.
Seven of the victims have been released from Grady Memorial Hospital. Hospital authorities stated that two people were treated for serious injuries; one suffered a collapsed lung, and the other fractured both shoulders.
MTI says that it is making changes to company policy because of the incident. A spokesperson told media that they will now require all drivers to have their CDL license.