A Harrah’s Casino bus crashed on Sunday morning leaving several people injured and three confirmed deceased. The bus crash happened at the intersection of United States Highway 61 and Casino Center in Tunica, Mississippi when the bus was headed back to the airport. The passengers on the bus were supposed to catch a return flight to South Carolina.

More than forty people were on the bus, including the bus driver, when it overturned near several of Tunica’s casinos at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. It was raining at the time, though officials are not sure if the rain contributed to the crash. The injured passengers were taken to two facilities: Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto and Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Information on the injured has not been released.

It is normal to see a bus running everyday from the various casinos, with passengers going to the airport or other casinos. This particular group had a total of 80 passengers divided onto two buses, all flying back to Charleston. It was the second bus that crashed. It is believed all the passengers were elderly.

The bus that was involved in the crash was taking patrons from Harrah’s casino and was owned by the casino. Bill Wright, the Regional General Manager for Harrah’s Casino, has released an official statement from the casino about the crash.

Wright stated: “At this time we’re focusing on the health and welfare of the guests involved in this tragic accident. We have established the following number, 1-800-946-4946, to provide information and assistance to family members of those involved in the accident.”

An accident reconstruction team from the Mississippi Highway Patrol is trying to determine the cause of the crash. The reason will most likely not be determined for several days.



- 2008-08-11