CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. — A passenger van crash involving Belleville West High School students on Wednesday resulted in the death of a 17-year-old male.
The crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. when a 2014 Ford E-350 van, owned by MVP Transportation, was reportedly speeding. Cahokia Heights Police confirmed that Zer’Real B. Hinds, a student, succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident.
According to authorities, the Ford E-350 van is typically prohibited from transporting students due to severe rollover risks. Illinois and Missouri states have banned such vehicles for pupil transport due to safety concerns dating back decades.
MVP Transportation, which had provided services to the Belleville Township High School District since February 2022, was not under a formal contract at the time of the incident. The district reported paying the company approximately $400,000 for student transportation since then.
The Belleville Township High School District announced that they ended their transportation services with MVP Transportation on Thursday. The district is investigating whether the company had met state law requirements, including appropriate driver credentials.
Witnesses reported that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the use of the van for student transport is ongoing. The Federal Government has consistently flagged such vans due to safety vulnerabilities, and the Illinois State Board of Education has reiterated that they are not permitted for student transportation.
In light of the incident, the superintendent of the district stated they are reviewing their transportation policies to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
The Illinois State Board of Education guidelines outline the types of vehicles allowable for student transport, reinforcing the risks associated with passenger vans like the Ford E-350.