WASHINGTON - The bus company involved in a fatal crash in Sherman, Texas on August 8, 2008 has been declared an "imminent hazard" by the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA). They have been ordered to immediately cease all commercial operations, including all interstate and intrastate transportation of passengers by drivers from all dispatching locations or terminals. 

An "Operations Out-of-Service Order" was issued to Angel Tours, Inc., Iguala Busmex, Inc. and each of its officers and directors by FMCSA officials on August 9, 2008.  A second Order was issued to Mr. Angel De La Torre, the President and owner of Angel Tours, Inc. and Iguala Busmex, Inc.

The Imminent Hazard Order found that the two companies' motor carrier operations posed an 'imminent hazard' to public safety based upon their present state of unacceptable safety compliance, their failure to adequately establish safety management systems, and their lack of reponsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained.

Back in May 2008, the FMCSA identified Angel Tours as being a high risk carrier due to safety violations detected during roadside safety inspections. To date, Angel Tours has not provided the Agency with evidence that they have corrected the problems.

The FMCSA also determined Iguala Busmex (the new company Angel Tours formed after closing down) applied for operating authority on June 26, 2008, but they did not grant them authority to transport passengers. This is because the new company, just like the old one, failed to fully comply with federal safety requirements.

However, even without legal approval, the bus company continued to operate. And on Friday, after the bus crashed on its way to Missouri, Angel Tours' problem escalated from a few safety violations to death.

The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing to investigate the incident.