An alleged drunk driver was reportedly charged with causing a tour bus to the Masters Golf Tournament carrying 18 to 19 people to crash in Augusta. According to reports, at least seven people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. According to later reports, the driver was later identified as Steven F. Hoppenbrouwer, who has since been charged with a DUI and a failure to maintain his lane.
What happened?
According to WJBF, according to officials, the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, and Hoppenbrouwer moved far too back to the left, causing the vehicle to overturn into the median.
Of the victims, Augusta University Medical Center reported to have seven victims, two in fair condition and five in serious condition. Doctors Hospital was also said to have four victims, but none had endured life-threatening injuries; WRCB TV confirmed the victims at the Doctors Hospital were all adults. Some later reports claimed that there were only 18 passengers on the bus during the crash, although the number at this time is unclear; it is possible different reports included the driver himself and other did not, but this in unconfirmed.
The bus was also said to be owned by Jet Executive Limousine, Inc.
Officials are telling people to avoid the area; on Facebook, Columbia County Georgia issued the following statement, which was also shared on Twitter:
“Accident 185 I20 E all lanes are blocked please avoid the area”
Who is Steven F. Hoppenbrouwer?
According to WJBF, Hoppenbrouwer was 61 at the time of the incident. As mentioned above, it is believed the accident was cause after he moved far too back to the left, overturning the bus into the media.
He has since been charged with a DUI and a failure to maintain lane.
As this story is developing, more information will be released as made available.
