A state investigation into a chartered bus crash that injured 17 Gwinnett County choral students found no fault with the driver or vehicle.
Sgt. Jon Posey of the Georgia State Patrol said the Harmon Brothers' bus that swerved on I-75 on April 10 to avoid hitting a car had been properly maintained. Authorities checked the safety records and mechanical systems of the bus before completing their investigation late last week.
"“We didn’t see anything wrong with the bus,” Posey said.
The driver, Jamie Villafane, also was cleared of any wrongdoing. The accident left Mill Creek High Show Choir students with cuts, bruises, black eyes and broken bones.
The choir was returning from a competition in Orlando when the accident occurred in Dooly County. Posey said a driver in front of the bus was following another car too closely and caused the initial accident. The bus then swerved, traveling 580 feet to avoid hitting another car. The bus reached a steep embankment that slowed it before it hit a bridge.
The bus, carrying about 50 people, came to a stop at a perilous angle on the embankment. Firefighters had to stabilize the vehicle to prevent it from tipping over.
Villafane, who injured his back in the crash, is a retired bus driver from New York City with more than 25 years of experience, said Clinton Harmon, the company's founder.
Harmon said the firm's insurance company is handling claims for choral students.
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