A spokesman at the National Transportation Safety Board told School Transportation News that preliminary findings from Tuesday’s fatal crash between a school bus and a Maryland Transit Administration commuter bus could be released within the next 30 days.
Media reports confirmed that Glenn R. Chappell, 67, was behind the wheel of the Baltimore City Public Schools Bus early Tuesday morning when it accelerated to speeds of up to 90 mph, rear-ended a Ford Mustang, struck a concrete pillar and proceeded down the roadway until it collided head-on into the MTA bus. Reports indicate he also had a history of at-fault driving convictions and served time in jail four years ago for violating a protection order.
Chappell, an employee of local bus contractor AA Affordable Transportation, was killed, as was the MTA bus driver and four passengers.
NTSB investigators continue to document and examine all three vehicles involved and collect background information, including driver health records as well as vehicle maintenance and inspection records. The Baltimore Police Department is also involved with the crash investigation.
Baltimore City Public Schools confirmed that a bus attendant was the only other person on board with Chappell at the time and was injured in the crash. There was media speculation that Chappell suffered a medical emergency, as investigators indicated there were no skid marks made by the school bus at the scene.
The school district added that Chappell was on his way to transport 18 elementary students who receive curb-to-curb service based on district transportation policy and guidelines for students with special needs, students who are homeless, students who receive English language services or other specialized services.
