Passengers eager to travel with local company after fatal accident in Mexico

In Mexico, authorities continue to investigate a bus accident that left eight passengers dead and dozens injured. Most of the victims are residents of Irving and Fort Worth.

The bus, owned by Zavala Plus LLC, left its main office located in the 100 block of South Rogers Road in Irving. In addition to the driver, a total of 41 people are on board.

The bus, according to the employees, was headed to the state of Zacatecas. The fatal accident occurred on the highway near the town of Concepcion del Oro, located nearly 750 miles from the Dallas area.

Mexican authorities say the bus crashed and flipped onto the opposite side of the road.

A driver of an 18-wheeler recorded a video of the sprawling, gruesome scene where survivors can be heard pleading for help.

On Tuesday morning in Irving, all was business as usual, with clerks selling tickets and customers loading their bags onto the buses while others arrived.

“I feel very sad,” said Violeta Salinas.

Salinas has been a client of the Zavala company for about five years and plans to travel with them again this month. “We’re going to Monterrey, and now I’m a little worried about what happened.”

Martín Gómez waited for his wife to arrive from Zacatecas.

“I’m worried because it’s dangerous,” Gomez said.

He said his wife has only ridden Zavala’s buses less than three times, citing concerns about speed.

“My wife told me that she is concerned about the news,” Gomez said.

While the cause is still under investigation in Mexico, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has singled out Zavala Plus in the past for speeding and a total of 21 maintenance vehicle violations.

The FMCSA lists 26 vehicles, 31 drivers, and 20 inspections under Zavala Plus LLC.

Gomez looked out the window when he saw his wife’s bus arrive. The bus driver pulled into the parking lot of the business, which is located in a small strip mall. However, he was forced to wait for at least half an hour after the bus driver backed up and collided with a black truck.

Irving police and an ambulance responded to the scene Tuesday afternoon after a pregnant woman inside the black truck reported minor injuries.

NBC 5 has made several attempts to speak to the owner and request comment on both incidents, however we have not received a response.

Meanwhile, customers said the owner’s silence could be what makes them choose a different company.

“If they don’t have empathy with the families…we won’t travel with them again,” Salinas said.

Others told NBC 5 that they will likely continue to ride the Zavala Plus because of the economic value.