12/05/09 - Wyoming Bus Crash

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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Dec 7, 2009 at 7:11 AM MST

Story Updated: Dec 7, 2009 at 7:13 AM MST

BILLINGS - A passenger bus on route from Denver to Billings crashed early Saturday morning near Casper, Wyoming killing one person and injuring nearly 50 others.

Officials with Arrow Stage Lines said the bus was heading north on Interstate 25 when it collided with an overturned tractor trailer that was blocking both northbound lanes.

The driver, 61-year-old Donald Bonner, of Westminster, Colorado, was killed and 42 of the bus' 47 passengers were taken to the hospital. Company officials said six people remained in the hospital Saturday for longer observation.

President Bruce Neuharth said accidents like this are very rare. "We put on over 11 million very safe miles," he said. "As a company we have a very good safety record. We try to take care of these things when they do occur. We also put emergency procedures in place. We watch road conditions, weather reports. If it's unsafe we make the immediate call to pull a vehicle off."

Passengers are staying in a hotel in Casper. Neuharth said several passengers made alternative travel arrangements to get to their destination, but the company will offer another bus and several vans for passengers who may be afraid to board a bus.

They did not know when the passengers would make it to Billings.

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Jacque said on Saturday, Sep 17 at 1:11 PM

I was one of the passangers on the bus. there was no one on the scene but they were on their way. I feel bad for the bus drivers family and I know how hard it is to lose a parent or a close relitive. most every one on the bus was ok. Its been almost three years and I still sufer from a broken nose but Its nothing to feel sorry for.

one eye Kal said on Saturday, Feb 6 at 7:05 PM

I'm sorry for the bus driver, I hope everyone is Ok. We just need to be compensated for what we deserve,. Good luck to evrybody... Thanks and we lived.

Stephanie Bonner said on Monday, Dec 14 at 11:17 PM

My dad was a wonderful driver. He was the perfect father. The last time I saw him, he brought me a x-mas tree because I didnt have one and I really wanted to decorate for x-mas. He passed away a day before my 34 b-day. I LOVE YOU DAD!!! you truely will be missed. To all the passengers who were on the bus you are in my prayers.

hedg said on Monday, Dec 7 at 7:11 AM

hey have some cosideration for the famialy of the driver and passengers and the responders maybe some of you need to look at yourselves

steph said on Monday, Dec 7 at 3:05 AM

My thought and prayers are with all involved in the crash. Thank you Uncle for the love you shared.

Steph said on Monday, Dec 7 at 3:03 AM

He was one of the best fathers in the world. He was good for making people laugh. I thank god that only he passed in the wreck.

Steph said on Monday, Dec 7 at 3:01 AM

My Uncle was a very good driver. He drove buses from denver to blackhawk for many years and also drove for RTD. He record is clean. He was a wonderful man over all.

sum1 said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 5:06 PM

My lil brother was on that bus. Im very thankful he is okay.

Carmichael said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 3:50 PM

It's obvious the story was phoned in from a witness or passenger who snapped the photo with their phone. But you're right, more detail is required.

Road Warrior said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 3:00 PM

lets give Arrow a break. They have safe buses and good Driver's. All americans want to do is complain and sue for personal gain. Than they wonder why no one wants to hire them, thus they replace them with mexicans

John said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 1:04 PM

Just last year at this time I rode the same bus service from Denver to Billings and in Wyoming the tire blew out during wintery conditions.

denib said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 12:40 PM

I drove by this accident yesterday on my way to Denver...it was a ground blizzard and slick....winter conditions pose risks for everyone. Commercial drivers are not immune.

Heather said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 11:04 AM

We would like to know of there were any emergency personel on the scene before the bus hit the truck, was the road blocked, and what were the road conditions?

Bill said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 9:50 AM

This is one of the best comapanyes. very safe motor coaches and Drivers. to bad this happend to Arrow stage lines

Fred said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 9:37 AM

This company is a very safe comapany. This is very rare for this to happen to Arrow Stage Lines

RJ Larson said on Sunday, Dec 6 at 8:12 AM

In October 2005, a bus hit an overturned semi that was blocking the interstate; killing five people. This happened in Wisconsin; the bus was carrying our local band from Chippewa Falls High School. The semi driver fell asleep.

Jack said on Saturday, Dec 5 at 8:01 PM

KULR-8 you need to give us a little more info like the road conditions and what time of the morning and why the truck was on its side instead of leaving all of us guessing.

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