‘Not an accident’: Family of teen burned in deadly Belleville West van crash sues school board

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (First Alert 4) - The family of a student injured in a deadly school van crash has filed a lawsuit alleging safety law violations.

The family of G’Mauri Hodges, a 15-year-old who suffered burns to 75% of his body, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Board of Education of Belleville Township High School District 201.

A van carrying Hodges, six other Belleville West High School students and two adults crashed and caught fire at a Cahokia Heights intersection on Sept. 23. The crash killed Zer’Real Hinds, 17, and injured several others.

The complaint filed in U.S. District Court said district officials repeatedly violated state safety laws by hiring an unqualified medical transport company to drive students.

The district contracted with MVP Transportation Incorporated without soliciting competitive bids or conducting background checks, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit alleged MVP used unmarked vans that lacked required safety equipment and that the driver involved in the Sept. 23 crash was legally disqualified from transporting students due to prior federal felony convictions.

“This case is not about an ‘accident,’” the complaint said. “It is about the School Board choosing the cheapest option over the safest one, ignoring every warning sign along the way, and entrusting the lives of its students to a company that used illegal vehicles operated by unqualified drivers.”

First Alert 4 has reached out to Belleville Township High School District 201 for comment. The district previously put out a statement after the crash.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a student who was involved in an incident involving a district transportation van. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time.

We also extend our deepest sympathy and support to all students who were involved in or affected by this tragedy, as well as to their families. We recognize the profound impact an event like this can have on our entire school community.

An investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incident is ongoing. We are committed to cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities and will provide additional information when it becomes available and when it is appropriate to do so.

In response to this tragedy, the District has immediately commenced a comprehensive review of all student transportation services. This review will focus on ensuring that transportation operations, policies, procedures, and practices are in full compliance with applicable state and federal transportation laws and requirements.

The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We will continue to support our students, staff, and families as our community works through this difficult time.

We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the student’s family and all those affected as the investigation continues."

Belleville Township High School District 201

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a student who was involved in an incident involving a district transportation van. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time.

We also extend our deepest sympathy and support to all students who were involved in or affected by this tragedy, as well as to their families. We recognize the profound impact an event like this can have on our entire school community.

An investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incident is ongoing. We are committed to cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities and will provide additional information when it becomes available and when it is appropriate to do so.

In response to this tragedy, the District has immediately commenced a comprehensive review of all student transportation services. This review will focus on ensuring that transportation operations, policies, procedures, and practices are in full compliance with applicable state and federal transportation laws and requirements.

The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We will continue to support our students, staff, and families as our community works through this difficult time.

We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the student’s family and all those affected as the investigation continues."