JACKSON, Tenn. -- Tennessee authorities say a Greyhound that plowed into the rear of an 18-wheeler, killing the driver and two passengers, was going about twice as fast as the truck when the crash occurred. The wreck on Aug. 6 injured 18 passengers.
An investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol found that the deceased bus driver, Thomas Dickerson of Memphis, Tenn., appeared to have had enough time to avoid running into the rear of the truck. But, there was no evidence Dickerson tried to avoid the truck, according to the 54-page investigate report and accompanying 13-page crash report.
However, the reports also found that the truck driver was pulling back onto the interstate after stopping to use the restroom and likely had been parked illegally.
The incident occurred near Jackson. The bus had stopped in Cleveland and Cincinnati, and was on its way to Memphis when it crashed.
"I have reviewed this report in its entirety, and discussed this case with Sgt. Barry Waldrop, reconstruction expert with the Tennessee Highway Patrol," said Tennessee District Attorney General Jerry Woodall. "Based on the findings, the physical evidence recovered, a review of the applicable law and the information provided by Sgt. Waldrop, it is my legal opinion no criminal charges should be filed." Criminal charges in this case seemed unlikely because the driver was killed.
Woodall added, however, that "the facts develop certain civil liability issues involving both the tractor-trailer and Greyhound bus. These civil issues will have to be disposed of in a court having civil jurisdiction."
One lawsuit already has been filed by an injured bus passenger from Michigan who accused Greyhound of having unsafe transportation.
The patrol report says the truck was traveling about 40 mph, while the bus was going as fast as 80.

Trial for driver
SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. - A Greyhound driver from St. Louis, charged in connection with a fatal August 2001 bus crash, will face trial early next year in Tennessee.
Two years ago, Tennessee authorities charged 54-year-old Nathaniel Waugh with vehicular homicide and aggravated assault after the bus he was driving went off the road just outside Nashville.
After leaving the highway, the coach flipped and rolled down an embankment, killing a passenger who was ejected and became trapped underneath the bus. More than 40 others were injured.
Discussions about a possible plea bargain broke off early this month. Waugh's
trial is to begin Jan. 3, in Robertson County, Tenn.