Brake Problems Ruled Out in Bus Crash That Injured 17

Investigators have concluded that a runaway bus accident that injured 17 people last fall in Rancho Palos Verdes was not caused by brake problems as first believed, but by the 56-year-old bus driver.

The district attorney’s office will not file criminal charges against the driver, Emma Beasley, because there was no intentional disregard of others, a spokeswoman said. Evidence against the bus company, Laidlaw Transit Services, is still being evaluated, she said.

Beasley was not cited after the accident; Laidlaw was cited by the California Highway Patrol for maintenance violations. Beasley has left the company, Sheriff’s Department officials said.

Sheriff’s Deputy John Nakaji said CHP investigators inspected the Laidlaw bus, which was operated under a contract with the city of Los Angeles. They found no major brake problems. Instead, they discovered two minor problems that were not a major factor in the accident: a low air-pressure warning device and rear brakes that were beyond the allowable wear limit.

“There is evidence to support the belief that instead of depressing the brake, [Beasley] pressed the accelerator,” Nakaji said.

Beasley worked for Laidlaw for 17 years. Officials of the company did not respond to inquiries seeking comment.

The Sept. 18 accident reminded some people of the movie “Speed” as the bus raced uncontrollably down Western Avenue, jumped the median, crossed into oncoming traffic and left a trail of crushed metal. The bus crashed into 20 cars.

There were no passengers on the 9-year-old bus, which was impounded by the Sheriff’s Department for investigation.