On May 4, 2013, a limousine crossing the San Mateo- Hayward
Bridge caught on fire killing five of its passengers. The Limousine was
carrying a celebratory bachelorette party comprising of nine women. Of the dead
was the 31 year-old bride-to-be.
The accident occurred Saturday night. The cause of the fire
is unknown and still being investigated by officials. The Lincoln limousine is
listed with California’s Public Utility Commission as legally able to carry
eight passengers or less. However, the limousine was illegally carrying nine
passengers.
Only four passengers were able to get out and suffered smoke
inhalation and burn injuries. The only person to escape unhurt was the driver.
At the first sign of danger, the women alerted the driver to pull over. The
driver was first confused and thought they meant they would like to smoke. Once
the driver realized there was trouble, he pulled over on the bridge.
Few of the women were able to climb through the partition to
safety. It is believed that the other women may have been overcome by the
smoke. By the time the firefighters arrived and doused the vehicle, the five
women were dead. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it is
believed that the fire began in the trunk.
Tips for Limousine
Safety
After the fatal limousine fire that took the lives of 5
passengers, it is absolutely vital to remember the importance of limousine
safety. With upcoming proms and weddings, it is imperative to research the
limousine before renting. While most customers are just searching for
extravagance and luxury, customers must also be mindful of safety and security.
Several tips to follow before renting a limousine include:
- Research the company
- Check the permit number to ensure that the limousine driver is genuine
- Ask for a tour inside the limousine before choosing
Personal Injury Claim
If you or someone you know was recently injured while riding
a limousine or bus, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
An experienced personal injury attorney will work to earn you monetary
compensation for your pain and suffering. Consider filing a personal injury claim if your injuries required medical care. Contact us today.