Tarboro, NC – Sometime around 6 a.m. Monday morning, near Tarboro, NC, an 18-wheeler crashed into a bus, injuring 26 people.
The bus was being driven by Manuel Rodrigues, 29, on U.S. 64, near Tarboro. For reasons unknown, a semi-truck coming from behind, failed to slow for the bus and crashed into it from behind. On board were at least 26 passengers, reportedly migrant workers. 26 were taken to local hospitals and treated for injuries. There is no word on the severity of their injuries or the identities of any of the passengers.
The tractor-trailer driver, Aaron Nissim Moore, 31, was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision, while Mr. Rodgrigues was cited for not having the appropriate license to operate the bus. There is no word if a more extensive investigation will take place.
Map of the Area Near the Accident
Commentary:
Stories like this break my heart, because after children and the elderly, migrant workers may be among the most vulnerable groups in our society. Leaving aside immigration questions for the suits in Washington, these folks are here doing a grueling job, almost invisible to the rest of us, until an accident like this happens.
Being driven around by an improperly licensed driver is just one of the many hardships migrant workers have to endure. The legal gray area, which they inhabit, lets some of the worst actors in our society treat these people, who truly are the salt of the earth, as if they were somehow not as important as you or me.
One silver lining is that in the eyes of the law, these folks are treated just the same as you or me. The obligations their employers have are the same as yours, or anyone else’s. If you found out that transportation for your company picnic was arranged using improperly licensed bus drivers, you would rightly be furious. If you happened to be injured by that unlicensed driver, I think we all have a good idea what section of the yellow pages you’re going to be looking in.
Stories like these make me thankful to live in a country where everyone gets their day in court.
–Grossman
