Investigators examine the scene of a bus crash in Mississippi that killed seven people

BOVINA, Mississippi: Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board began collecting evidence Sept. 1 at the scene of a bus crash in Mississippi that left seven people dead and dozens more injured.

At a press conference, NTSB member Todd Inman said the Volvo bus was traveling from Atlanta to Dallas on Interstate 20 near Bovina when a left front tire blew out, the vehicle hit an embankment and overturned onto its left side.

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, six bus passengers died at the scene and another died in the hospital. 36 people were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Among the dead were a 6-year-old boy and his 16-year-old sister, Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey said. Their mother identified them. Authorities were working to identify the other victims, he said.

According to the highway police, there were 41 passengers and two drivers on the bus.

Inman said investigators will look at the condition of the vehicle, including how well the tires were maintained. The investigation will also focus on road conditions, the driver’s experience, the transportation company’s safety record and the protection of bus passengers.

Inman asked any witnesses to call Mississippi authorities.

The NTSB said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days and the full investigation could take up to two years.

The transport company claims to have 20 years of experience offering cross-border travel between 100 destinations in Mexico and the United States. On its website, it advertises “a modern bus fleet that is serviced daily” and offers “travel at special rates for employees.”