NTSB Issues Initial Report On PA Turnpike Crash That Killed Five

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report Thursday on last month's deadly Pennsylvania Turnpike Crash that killed five people and injured 60. While detailing the road conditions and the events that led up to the crash, it offered no probable cause of the deadly accident.

The accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 5 about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh. A tour bus lost control after passing a FedEx tractor-trailer, causing it to hit the concrete median barrier and
forcing it up an embankment before it rolled onto its side.

The FedEx truck struck the bus, which was blocking the road, as did a UPS truck. A Mercedes Benz and second UPS struck also hit vehicles in the crash.

The bus driver and two passengers died in the wreck, as well as the driver and passenger of one of the trucks that hit the bus.

Pennsylvania State Police via National Transportation Safety Board.

The report indicated that light snow was falling when the accident occurred, but did not say if weather was a factor in causing it.

The safety board stated that it's gathering records on the commercial drivers involved in the crash, evaluating driver performances, vehicle performances, the turnpike commission's snow- and ice-removal procedures, collision avoidance technology installed on the three truck-tractors, and the safety culture of the bus tour company.

A final report on the crash likely won't be released for 18 to 24 months, the safety board said.

Read the entire initial report here.