The FMCSA has placed Georgia-based trucking company Industrial Transit Inc. out-of-service after several safety violations were discovered during the investigation of fatal crash that occurred in late-August.
On August 22nd, one of the company’s trucks was hauling a load of Takata airbag components and crashed into a house in Maverick County, Texas, after the driver “failed to negotiate” a curve on the roadway. The airbag components exploded on impact, destroying the home and killing two people inside. The driving team inside the truck, as well as the occupants of a passing vehicle, were also injured.
“The trailer (carrying air bag detonators and blasting agent) exploded and engulfed in flames, causing fire to the home and a passing vehicle,” Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement following the incident.
On October 4th, following several weeks of investigation, the FMCSA placed Industrial Transit Inc. out-of-service for various safety violations. Although not a full list, here are some of the most severe violations.
-Allowing two drivers without valid CDLs to operate its vehicles within the last two months.
-Failing to implement a drug testing program for its employees.
-Failing to regularly inspect, maintain, and meet minimum safety standards for its vehicles.
-Failing to ensure drivers comply with maximum hours-of-service regulations.
In a press release, the FMCSA said the company displayed a “…complete and utter lack of compliance with operation of (federal safety regulations)…”
The company, which operated five commercial trucks and routinely transported hazardous materials, was ordered to cease all operations immediately. The official FMCSA order can be seen here.
In addition to shutting the company down, the FMCSA is also considering civil penalties for the safety violations, as well as referring the case for criminal prosecution.
