FATAL MOTORCOACH ACCIDENT IN VICTOR, NEW YORK AND TANK EXPLOSION IN IOWA SUBJECTS OF NEXT NTSB MEETING

The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 9:30 am in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC. Two items are on the agenda:

1) Highway Accident Report - On June 23, 2002 a motorcoach traveling on Interstate 90 returning from a charter tour to Niagara Falls ran off the road and rolled onto its side near Victor, New York. Five people were killed in the accident. The Board's accident report examines safety issues including methods available to passengers to report an unsafe motorcoach driver, the accuracy of safety ratings for motorcoach operations, effective identification of unsafe motorcoach operations, and occupant protection. Media contact: Lauren Peduzzi

2) Hazardous Materials Accident Report -- On April 15, 2003, a cargo tank, used exclusively for agricultural purposes split open after being filled with anhydrous ammonia at a tank filling facility near Calamus, Iowa. About 1,300 gallons of the poisonous and corrosive gas escaped, seriously injuring two tank loaders. Nine days later, one of the injured died. Equipment repair and replacement costs associated with the accident totaled approximately $3,100. Media Contact: Terry Williams

The public may view the Board meeting via a live or archived webcast by accessing a link under "News & Events" on the NTSB home page at www.ntsb.gov.

Directions to the Board Room: Front Door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L'Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L'Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at CVS store take escalator down one level. Board Room will be to your left.

NTSB Public Affairs: (202) 314-6100