The bus driver involved in a deadly crash in Pembroke that claimed five lives has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges.
Bin Shao faces five counts of second-degree manslaughter and five counts of criminally negligent homicide. Bail was set at $100,000.
The crash happened on August 22 as the bus was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls. Authorities say the bus veered into the median, overturned into a ditch, and left a devastating scene. Five people were killed and more than four dozen others were hurt. All 54 passengers reportedly suffered some type of injury, and many were thrown from the bus because they were not wearing seat belts.
Prosecutors say the charges stem from Shao’s decisions and actions while driving.
If convicted, Shao could face anywhere from an unconditional discharge to 5 to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter counts. The criminally negligent homicide charges carry a possible sentence ranging from an unconditional discharge to 1 1/3 to 4 years.
Shao, who is from Flushing, Queens, was taken into custody on Wednesday. He is due back in court in March.
