Investigation report released for deadly 2024 bus crash in North China

TAIYUAN -- An investigation report released on Sunday concluded that a fatal bus crash in North China's Shanxi province in 2024 was a production safety incident.

Fourteen people were killed and 37 others injured after a passenger bus crashed into a tunnel wall on the Hohhot-Beihai Expressway in Shanxi on March 19, 2024.

According to the report released by Shanxi provincial department of emergency management, the accident was caused by a combination of driver fatigue, speeding in the tunnel, and the failure to use headlights. Negligence by the involved bus company and regulatory authorities also contributed to the crash, the report determined.

Direct economic losses resulting from this accident were estimated at approximately 15.89 million yuan (about $2.22 million).

The report suggested that Li Congyong, the legal representative of Jiajun Transport Company, along with several others, be transferred to judicial authorities.

Several other involved enterprises and individuals have also been advised for administrative penalties, according to the report.

A total of 18 people were held accountable by disciplinary inspection and supervisory commissions in Shanxi province and Henan province, respectively.

Three of the people held accountable are in Shanxi, while the remaining 15 are in Henan in Central China.