Speeding in the rain caused 2024 Harbin bus crash, investigation finds

The government of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, released an investigation report on Friday, detailing the Harbin-Tongjiang Expressway traffic accident in 2024, which killed five people and injured 29.

Site investigations and tests ruled out deliberate human actions, driver health issues, alcohol, or drug impairment as causes of a bus losing control, the report said.

At 2:45 pm on November 25, 2024, the driver surnamed Xin was operating a passenger bus with the license plate number Hei GB3044.

While traveling at the 117-kilometer mark of the expressway, the speeding bus lost control in the rain, veered off the road into a ditch, where it collided with trees and overturned.

The accident resulted in five deaths and 29 serious injuries, with direct economic losses estimated at approximately 11.36 million yuan ($1.67 million).

The investigation concluded that the accident was the result of Xin driving the large passenger bus at an unsafe speed. Xin lost control of the vehicle and failed to perform operational norms for emergency situations.

The severity of the casualties was exacerbated because some passengers were not wearing seat belts, causing them to be thrown from their seats and either crushed or ejected from the vehicle during the accident.

Although safety belt usage was mentioned to passengers before departure, there was no follow-up through onboard checks or monitoring equipment to ensure all passengers were securely fastened.

Xin was suspected of committing the crime of causing traffic casualties and was subjected to criminal coercive measures by the public security authorities on Nov 26, 2024.

Additionally, eight administrative personnel received disciplinary actions ranging from severe warnings within the Party to educational criticism.