Driver Identified Greyhound Crash That Killed 6
FRESNO, Calif. (KCBS/AP) -- The Greyhound bus driver killed Thursday in a fiery crash on Highway 99 in Fresno that also claimed five other lives was ticketed in 2008 for failing to register his personal vehicle, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Otherwise 57-year-old James Jewett had a clean driving record. DMV records show he had valid commercial and standard driver's licenses, was licensed to carry passengers and that his medical certificate was up to date.
Jewett died instantly of massive injuries when he swerved to avoid an overturned minivan. The bus carrying at least 35 people slammed into the center divider, went down an embankment and slammed into a eucalyptus tree.
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Five others were killed and at least 9 passengers were seriously injured in the crash shortly after 2 a.m.
Greyhound spokeswoman Bonnie Bastian said anyone who believes a friend or family member may have been aboard can call the bus company's hotline, 1-800-972-4583, for information on their condition.
Jewett had been a Greyhound driver since 1978, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was ticketed in Sacramento County in December 2008 for failing to register his 2005 Chevy sedan.
That vehicle now has valid registration. Jewett is from Sacramento.
The bus left Los Angeles at 8 p.m. Wednesday night. It was due in Sacramento at 5 a.m. Its next stop would have been Madera.
