Laura Baziuk | Email news tips to laura.baziuk@corusent.com
1/18/2013
The driver of the bus that crashed in Oregon last month, killing nine people and injuring 39 others, has been banned from driving commercially in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has declared two drivers from Coquitlam’s Mi Joo Tour and Travel to be “imminent hazards to public safety.”
A U.S. investigation has found that Haeng Kyu “James” Hwang, at the helm of the bus that crashed, had been driving well beyond the 70-hour maximum – as well as driving too fast for the icy road conditions.
It found that Choong Yurl Choi, who had been driving a second Mi Joo bus as part of the same trip, had been driving for too long and too fast as well.
Earlier this month, U.S. officials ordered the company to cease operations entirely in that country.
A few days later, the B.C. Transportation Ministry suspended it, saying staff must prove by the end of February that its drivers will comply with regulations.
Several passengers have filed lawsuits against the company, alleging the driver was tired and speeding.
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