A family that survived a hit-and-run bus accident is making an appeal for the driver responsible for the crash to step forward. The Dekalb County Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into this hit-and-run incident.
The incident occurred on September 21st, at approximately 11 p.m., on Interstate 85 South, just prior to the Chamblee-Tucker Rd. exit.
Rekiya Barringer recounted that she was driving a party bus with ten of her family members on board, embarking on a road trip from Charlotte to Texas to attend her daughter’s college graduation ceremony. The trip took a harrowing turn when another car hydroplaned and collided with the rear passenger side of the bus.
“Every time I close my eyes, I can’t help but visualize the bus flipping over and over,” Barringer shared.
Barringer, a former truck driver with a commercial driver’s license who owns the bus, found herself trapped in the cabin. Thankfully, some bystanders shattered the glass to free her as she dangled from her seatbelt. Meanwhile, the driver who caused the accident abandoned their car and fled the scene on foot.
“I couldn’t fathom leaving a scene like that,” Barringer stated.
The passengers on the bus ranged in age from 18 to 70 years old. Unfortunately, they remain stuck in Georgia nearly one week later due to a 22-year-old family member still being hospitalized. She has undergone two surgeries since the accident and anticipates more before she can return home.
“They came to Georgia under one set of circumstances and will leave under another,” remarked Tina Barringer.
The family has visited the crash site in between hospital visits.
“You can clearly see the bent guardrail,” added Tina Barringer.
“I’m grateful that we all made it out without any need for funeral arrangements,” Rekiya Barringer expressed.
Although the police have recorded the license plate and VIN of the other driver, no arrests have been made as of yet.
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