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Lawmakers demand action on bus safety after devastating Pa. Turnpike crash that killed 5, hurt 60

MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa. — The devastating crash on the Pa. Turnpike that killed five people and injured 60 has U.S. lawmakers demanding action on bus safety.

Three tractor-trailers, a tour bus and a car were involved in the deadly crash, which happened around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 5.

National Transportation Safety Board officials said lives could have been saved had the bus been equipped with seatbelts.

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said a bill passed in 2012 would have improved bus safety, but he said the Department of Transportation has yet to fulfill many of the actions called for in the law.

The “Motorcycle Enhanced Safety Act” requires seatbelts on newer buses, anti-ejection windows to stop passengers from being thrown from the bus and crush-resistant roofs than can withstand rollovers.

“The administration simply slowed down all the rules we need to make buses safer. We’ve got to do more,” Brown said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said much of the law has been implemented, and those that remain have been initiated and are in varying stages of completion.

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