Bus, truck drivers face charges in fatal N.J. crash

The bus driver is cited for failing to stop or yield. The driver of the dump truck is cited for failing to properly secure and cover the truck's load. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue criminal charges against the drivers after an investigation and a toxicology test are completed.

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March 15, 2012

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CHESTERFIELD, N.J. — Motor vehicle charges have been brought against both drivers involved in a fatal collision between a school bus and a dump truck here last month, the Courier-Post reports.

The crash killed an 11-year-old triplet, Isabelle Tezsla, and injured her two sisters, Natalie and Sophie. Another student, Jonathan Zdybel, was also hospitalized.

As SBFpreviously reported, investigators found that the bus "inched past a stop sign because of bad sight lines." The school bus driver, John Tieman, was cited for failing to stop or yield.

The truck driver, Michael Caporale, was cited for failing to properly secure and cover the truck's load. Also, authorities said that the truck was overloaded by almost 5,000 pounds, exceeded its legal axle weight by more than 13,000 pounds and had inadequate brakes.

A decision on criminal charges will be made after an investigation is completed and the toxicology test results of the two drivers have been received, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

To read the full story, click here.

Topics:fatalities New Jersey school bus crash Safety

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