Safety Officers Not On Duty When Unsafe Bus Entered US

One Killed in January Bus Crash

A federal transportation official says no Texas or U.S. motor safety officers were on duty when an unsafe bus crossed the border hours before a fatal crash.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator Pete Kotowski spoke at a hearing Tuesday exploring the January crash near Victoria, Texas, that killed one man. The bus was carrying 46 passengers.

Kotowski says the bus was checked by customs and border officers when it came into the United States at a Laredo, Texas, crossing. It was returning to Houston from Monterrey, Mexico.

Bus owner Capricorn Bus Lines Inc. of Houston wasn't allowed to operate buses outside Texas. This bus could travel to Mexico because it was leased to International Charter Services Inc., also of Houston.

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