By Tisha Lewis, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
LITCHFIELD, Ill. (FOX 32 News) -
Aditi Avhad, 25, is described as a stellar student who made great contributions to Missouri University where she studied health administration. A graduate student from Mumbai, India whose dreams were abruptly cut short Thursday when a MegaBus crashed near Litchfield.
She was on board the double-decker bus with her parents en route to St. Louis and was killed in the crash, while 47 others were injured.
Illinois State Police say there were 72 passengers on board and two drivers when the MegaBus traveling from Chicago to Kansas City struck a pillar of an overpass on Interstate 55. The impact forced passengers from their seats.
"I was having a conversation with the woman next to me and all the sudden it sounded like we hit something really big. He was trying to regain control of the bus but it slammed right into the concrete post," said Megan Arns, an injured passenger.
Police say a blown-out tire is to blame. State Police said a crash reconstruction officer will return to the accident scene on Monday to determine was caused the blown out tire and what speed the bus was traveling before the crash occurred.
"Right now we are anticipating no citation to be issued but until the actual investigation is complete that's what will be determined then," said Lt. Louis King with Illinois State Police.
According to a statement released by MegaBus spokesperson Amanda Byers, "We can confirm that the vehicle involved in the accident was manufactured by Van Hool in 2011 and had passed a full preventative maintenance check - including tires - within the past week. Maintenance checks are performed by megabus.com approximately every 10 days."
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:40:07 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:51:02 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:38:56 GMT
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
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