KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Officials from the Area Transportation Authority released shocking surveillance video from inside an KCATA bus that overturned in an accident in the Northland on Wednesday night.
There were 13 people aboard the bus at the time of the wreck near N. Northwood and NW Prairie View Road — all were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries, and two had to stay in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
According to police, a car pulled out in front of the bus trying to make a left turn. The car lost traction because of the slick roads, causing the bus to swerve. The bus then hit the curb and rolled twice.
There were three people riding in the car involved in the accident. They also suffered minor injuries, but only the driver was taken to the hospital. Authorities are still investigating the accident, and charges are still possible.
Related: KCATA Bus Overturns in Northland
In the video released on Thursday, the bus can be seen tearing in two as it rolled over. According to KCATA spokesperson Cindy Baker, the bus had recently been inspected, and there were no problems reported. She says that the bus ripping apart was actually a safety feature, and the bus did precisely what it was supposed to in that situation.
“This is a very rare situation. We’re just thankful that the injuries were not worse, it was a pretty full bus,” said Baker.
Baker says that the video will be used as part of the KCATA’s investigation into the crash.
“It’s a piece of the puzzle. It’s one piece, you can’t determine an accident based solely on this video,” said Baker. “When you saw the bus last night it kind of came apart in two pieces, and that is actually a safety feature so that it does sort of break away.”
The bus driver, whose name has not been released, has been placed on paid leave, which the KCATA says is standard during crash investigations.
