Three teens were killed in a tragic church bus accident that took place around 10 a.m. Friday morning in Polk County, just 5 miles north of Bolivar, Missouri.
The group was caravanning to the Branson area with two other vehicles on a church youth group trip to float the river with friends. The five adults and seventeen juniors/high schoolers were all members of the Faith Chapel Assembly of God Church from Overland Park, Kansas.
Highway Patrol reported the fatal crash involved only one vehicle and determined the cause of the crash was a left rear tire blowout. The blowout caused the church bus driver to lose control of the vehicle, sending the van off the right side of the road before it overturned and hit a tree.
The crash took the lives of 14-year-old Hannah Foy from Lewisberg, Kansas, 16-year-old David Martin from Olathe, and 17-year-old Tamara Base. At least ten others suffered serious to minor injuries. One adult and three youths are seeking treatment at Cox Health in Springfield, Missouri.
Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson released the following statement on social media concerning the events of the deadly Missouri accident:
“Deeply saddened to learn of the church van crash on Highway 13 North of Bolivar. Our prayers are for all the families at this difficult time. Grateful for the efforts of all first responders.”
MISSOURI ROLLOVER ACCIDENT AND TIRE DEFECT LAWYERS
While vehicles are required to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, meeting those criteria does not in and of itself protect the manufacturer from liability. Sometimes vehicles are manufactured without appropriate safety measures which can ultimately lead to the serious injury or death of passengers involved in an accident.
As tire defect attorneys, we encounter cases all over the country where recalled and unrecalled tires are defective and dangerous. Tire shops and sellers can be held legally liable for their own negligent conduct for both new and repaired tires.
The strength of a vehicle’s roof is also critical in protecting passengers during a rollover crash. The size and weight of a vehicle can affect how strong the roof needs to be in order to protect passengers during an accident.
The Potts Law Firm is currently investigating the events surrounding the Missouri church bus crash and will update this story as new information becomes available. If you or a family member have been seriously injured or killed in a crash where you suspect the vehicle did not protect you as it should, contact our lawyers in Springfield, Missouri to have your case reviewed at no obligation to you.