Missouri family files lawsuit in Megabus crash
BY LEEANN SHELTON Staff Reporter August 23, 2012 2:03AM
Updated: August 23, 2012 2:14AM
A fifth lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Megabus over a downstate crash that killed a 25-year-old University of Missouri graduate student.
A double-decker Megabus carrying 81 passengers slammed into a concrete bridge support pillar along I-55 near Litchfield, Ill. on Aug. 2, authorities said at the time.
Forty-seven people were hurt, and 25-year-old Aditi R. Avhad, a native of Mumbai, India, and a graduate student in health administration at the University of Missouri, was killed.
In their suit, Missourian Michael Murphy and his son Teegan Murphy said they were hurt in the crash and blame Megabus for failing to keep the bus safe and road-ready. The suit also blames driver Preston Taylor of being inadequately trained and impaired while driving.
The nine-count suit claims negligence and emotional distress, among other things. It seeks at least $450,000 in damages, including reimbursement for medical expenses.
It is at least the fifth lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court against the bus company in the wake of the crash.
Megabus officials could not be reached for comment.
