ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has learned the driver of a church bus involved in a deadly wreck last week is now facing charges.
The crash killed a teen girl and injured nearly two dozen other people.
The initial collision caused the bus driver to steer to the left abruptly causing him to lose control. The bus then entered the uneven median and rolled over.
The upside-down bus then slid into a Mercedes that was traveling in the westbound lanes.
#Breaking: We've confirmed charges filed against driver in last wk's deadly church bus crash. Here's full statement from his lawyer: @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/2P0akWCAsx
— Nicole Carr (@NicoleCarrWSB) June 15, 2017
The bus was carrying a youth group to Atlanta’s airport from Birmingham, Alabama for a mission trip to Africa.
The driver’s attorney sent a statement to Channel 2’s Nicole Carr about the charges:
"My client, Jerry Sims, has been charged with failure to maintain lane and homicide by vehicle - 2nd degree. These charges are misdemeanor traffic offenses because neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the accident. Jerry, who is still recovering in the hospital, has received nothing but love and support from the families affected by the accident and the fellowship of the entire Christian community."
Sarah Harmening, 17, was killed in the wreck.
"Our daughter Sarah was a gift to us, that was given on December 20, 1999,” her parents said.
“She loved the Lord with a love that was tangible," Harmening’s mother said. "It's what she lived and breathed for."
Cox Media Group
