December 18, 2009 - Bus Driver in Deadly Crash Not Charged

Authorities in Freeborn County, Minn., Friday said the man who was driving a bus that crashed in November, killing two people, will not face criminal charges.

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson said a State Patrol investigation found tour bus driver Edwin Erickson was operating the bus when he was struck by a sudden medical condition, the Minneapolis Star Tribune said.

"I am satisfied that there is no basis for criminal charges," Nelson said.

Nelson said Erickson, 52, suffered internal bleeding in his esophagus while operating the Strain Tours vehicle on Interstate 90 on Nov. 18. Within minutes of Erickson falling ill, the bus crossed the center line of the interstate and rolled onto its side after crashing into a ditch.

Passengers Rhonda Hill, 52, and Pamela Holmquist, 56, died as a result of the crash, while 20 other passengers were hurt.

The Star Tribune said the tour bus was traveling from the Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa, when the crash occurred.

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