Fifth Megabus passenger files suit claiming faulty windshield wipers led to crash

A fifth Megabus passenger has filed a lawsuit claiming faulty windshield wipers caused a rollover crash in central Indiana early Tuesday that injured more than 20 people bound for Chicago.

Robbie Franklin was aboard the charter from Atlanta to Chicago when the driver “announced that there was a problem with the windshield wipers” during a torrential downpour, according to the suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court on Friday.

Indiana State Police said the bus, which departed from Atlanta with 56 passengers, was traveling northbound on I-65 near Greenwood about 4:30 a.m. when the driver tried to avoid an initial crash involving a single vehicle and he lost control, causing the bus to roll over.

All 56 passengers were taken to four different hospitals, according to police. Six to eight people were in serious condition while “20 to 25” suffered minor injuries, police said.

“We continue to be focused on the passengers and their needs along with their families at this time,” said Sean Hughes, associate director of corporate affairs for Coach USA North America. “It is our practice not to comment on litigation.”

This is the second lawsuit filed so far in connection with the crash. Four other passengers filed a separate suit Wednesday, also claiming “a malfunction with the windshield wipers” led to the accident.

Franklin’s two-count suit alleges negligence and seeks more than $100,000 in damages.

No citations were issued in connection with the crash.