$15 Million Lawsuit Filed Over Deadly PA Turnpike Bus-Truck Crash

PITTSBURGH, PA — A mother and her 11-year-old daughter who were seriously injured in a fatal crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike last year have filed a federal lawsuit alleging negligence was involved in the accident. They are seeking $15 million in damages.

Cheng Ying Lian, 39, and her daughter, Ivy Ou, of Athens, Ohio, are suing Z&D Tours, which operated the tour bus they were on; FedEX Ground System Inc., one of the trucks that struck the bus, and Brandon Stowers, the driver of the FedEx truck.

The accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2020, on the westbound side of the turnpike in Westmoreland County, about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh. The tour bus lost control after passing the FedEx tractor-trailer, causing it to hit the concrete median barrier and forcing it up an embankment before it rolled onto its side.

The FedEx truck struck the bus, which was blocking the road, as did a UPS truck. A Mercedes Benz and second UPS truck also hit vehicles in the crash.

The bus driver and two passengers died in the wreck, as well as the driver and passenger of one of the trucks that hit the bus. More than 60 people were injured.

The National Transportation Safety Board has detailed the the road conditions and the events that led up to the crash, but has offered no official report yet on the probable cause of the accident.

The lawsuit alleges that FedEx and Z&D were aware that their drivers had a history of prior accidents.

The lawsuit also contends that Lian and Ou were both totally incapacitated "for a significant period of time,” and “remain partially disabled to date.” The claim seeks $10 million in damages for Lian and $5 million for Ou.

FedEx provided this statement when Patch asked for comment: "There is no higher priority for FedEx Ground than safety. While ourthoughts and condolences remain with the families of those involved in this tragic accident, the allegations against FedEx Ground and Mr. Stowers are without merit and we intend to defend our position should this matter proceed.”

A number listed online for the bus company has been disconnected.

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