Charges To Be Filed Against Bus Driver In I-95 Crash That Injured School Children

Charges will be filed against the Philadelphia-area bus driver in a crash on Interstate 95 that injured dozens, including school children, in May. Authorities also concluded the results of the investigation.

Harford County State's Attorney Joseph I. Cassilly made the announcement Wednesday morning after outlining the results of the May 15 crash.

The bus, which was being driven by Clarence C. Beamer, Jr., was traveling southbound on I-95 from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. The bus was carrying eighth-grade students, teachers and a parent on a field trip.

As the bus approached the Havre de Grace Exit at mile marker 89, there was a collision between the bus and a passenger car operated by Menachem Backman. The bus flipped on its side.

Drivers and witness statements were vague about the cause of the collision. Investigators learned that the bus was equipped with video cameras. Eventually, investigators were able to obtain the camera's recordings.

The recordings show that the bus was traveling in the center lane. A second bus can be seen to the rear in the slow lane, officials said.

The passenger car can be seen approaching the bus from behind in the fast lane, and as it comes beside the bus, the bus begins changing lanes into the fast lane, forcing the car onto the shoulder, officials said.

The car reaches the front of the bus when the recording abruptly ends, officials said. Investigators questioned the manner in which the recording ends and have been assured that it is a complete recording, officials said.

Based on the video, charges of negligent driving contributing to an accident and failing to drive in a designated lane will be filed against Beamer, officials said.

Cassilly said in an interview that Beamer will get a citation from Maryland State Police.

Phil Yacuboski contributed to this report.