Another driver 'failure'?
 

The driver was 'semi-retired' - witnesses suggest that the vehicle drove off the road for no apparent reason. The driver died.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-18976092

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-19562601

It has not been stated but there could have been a relief driver/courier on board. They would have a crew seat normally at the n/s footwell. It is really sad when this happens, the focus should be on the survivors and the bereaved families. As the driver sadly lost his life he will no doubt be in the frame when blame is apportioned.

Let's hope not.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/bestival-bu...103624064.html

So, does liability lie with the coach company (for employing a driver who 'died' at the wheel)?

Would the driver's estate be responsible for the losses incurred by the passengers?

Taken from http://uk.news.yahoo.com/bestival-bu...103624064.html

"Mr Hannell denied "overloading" was a factor - pointing out that one crew seat, one driver seat and 51 passenger seats added up to 53."

I doubt if one extra person would cause a coach to be overloaded enough to crash. If they were not in a (belted) seat, eg sitting on the floor, then they might suffer more injuries during the crash. Sudden driver illness or, a catastrophic vehicle failure are, to my mind (usual caveat about pure speculation) the more likely causes. The medical eperts will detect one of them and the vehicle experts, the other.

In the meantime, best wishes to all of those people whose lives have been affected, by this tragic event.

Tyre failure. Coach tyre 'almost 20 years old'.