Waltham, MA -- November 19, 2022, Vanessa Mark was killed and dozens were hurt following an accident where a bus crashed off-road.

Initial details say that the crash happened in the Waltham area at around 10:30 p.m. Authorities say that a bus was transporting Brandeis University students and faculty following a hockey game at Northeastern University. For reasons yet to be determined, the bus ran off-road where it crashed.

Due to the crash, Vanessa Mark, one of the passengers, sustained fatal injuries. At least 26 others had unspecified injuries. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Commentary on Vanessa Mark Bus Accident in Waltham

Such an indescribably tragic accident is always devastating to read about, but just before holidays it packs a bit more of a punch. Obviously, there needs to be answers about how a bus somehow careened off-road when authorities make no mention of any other vehicles being involved.

Folks may just assume the driver was doing something wrong like texting and driving or that they fell asleep. Frankly, those are common explanations worth looking into. But a serious commercial vehicle wreck can be incredibly complex, and it's important that those investigating the events actually have the experience and equipment to do so. That's why I avoid simply waiting around for the authorities.

A crash like this needs to answer all kinds of questions. Was drugs or alcohol a factor? Did investigators pull cell phone records? Does the driver have some sort of medical condition? Are they trained properly? What are their working conditions like? Has the company involved had previous issues with accidents or reckless driving? Is the vehicle properly maintained? How fresh were the tires? Did the brakes have known issues? Does this driver in particular have any kind of history of reckless driving?

Likely or not, these answers are vital for getting victims the help they need and grieving loved ones much needed closure. Whether someone needs to be held accountable for this or this was just some one-in-a-million, unavoidable tragedy, evidence needs to speak for itself. Are steps being taken to ensure those answers are being sought by professionals who can ensure nothing important slips through the cracks?

[jump]