Preliminary investigation has determined that the crash occurred on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at approximately 4:20 p.m. as a 1996 Setra Touring Coach Bus with 49 passengers onboard, operated by Jinli Zhao-56 year old male from Flushing, New York was traveling SR1 southbound exiting onto the off ramp to US 13 northbound, New Castle. As the bus attempted to negotiate a moderate curve on the ramp, it exited the roadway and overturned onto its roof. The bus continued to slide on its roof traveling down a slight grass embankment, rotating onto its left side where it came to rest.
First arriving Troopers found multiple patients scattered throughout crash scene and immediately began providing emergency care to the injured victims. Multiple first responders from New Castle County Fire and EMS companies responded and provided emergency care, triage, and transport of the victims.
A 54 year old female passenger from New York, NY was pinned under the bus and suffered multiple traumatic injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Name to be released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
A 30 year old female passenger from Istanbul, Turkey suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where she was pronounced dead, late last night. Name to be released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Jinli Zhao-56 year old male operator of the bus was properly restrained, was transported by ambulance to the Saint Francis Hospital, Wilmington where he was being treated for minor injuries. Treatment status and disposition are unknown at the time of this release.
A total of 49 passengers were transported from the scene by ambulance and Delaware State Police Aviation Helicopter Trooper 4 to several area hospitals including the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, Wilmington Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, Middletown Emergency Department, and the Alfred I DuPont Hospital for Children. Preliminary indication determined that initially 3-5 of these patients suffered multiple traumatic injuries and were listed in critical condition. The remaining victims had varying degrees of injuries including broken bones, lacerations, contusions, and abrasions. Treatment status and dispositions are unknown at the time of this release.
Preliminary information has determined that the bus is owned by AM USA Express based out of New York, NY. The 49 passengers were part of a sightseeing tour group sponsored by E World Travel and Tours based in New York City, New York. The 3 day trip started on Friday, September 19, 2014 in New York and traveled to Washington DC. It was traveling from Washington, DC to New York City at the time of the crash.
The ramp from SR 1 southbound to US 13 northbound was closed for approximately 6 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this crash with any charges pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Further information to be released as the investigation progresses.
Sergeant Paul G. Shavack
Director of Public Information | Delaware State Police
P.O. Box 430| Dover, DE 19903
The drivers cell phone records need to be seriously scrutized.If it was the same bus that passed us doing app 70 mph the driver was texting.
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