NTSB LOOKS AT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING 15-PASSENGER VANS IN HENRIETTA, TEXAS AND RANDLEMAN, NORTH CAROLINA

The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a Board Meeting Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 1:00 p.m., in the NTSB's Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. Accidents to be discussed:

On May 8, 2001, a 1993 15-passenger Dodge van with a driver and 11 passengers, all members of the First Assembly of God Church, was traveling on U.S. Route 82 near Henrietta, Texas, at approximately 67 miles per hour. The left rear tire blew out, causing the van to leave the roadway, roll over several times and eject seven passengers. The driver and three of the ejected passengers sustained fatal injuries.

On July 15, 2001, a 1989 Dodge Ram 15-passenger van with a driver and 13 passengers, owned by Virginia Heights Baptist Church of Roanoke, Virginia, experienced a tread separation and blow out. The van was traveling at approximately 65 mph on U.S. Route 220, near Randleman, North Carolina. The van overturned, ejecting four passengers. There was one fatality and several serious injuries.

A mult-box is available for sound. This room is lighted for television.

Media Contact: Terry N. Williams, (202) 314-6100