GREEN BAY, Wis. (WLUK) — A tour bus crashed on Interstate 43 near Green Bay Sunday afternoon, injuring 41 people, according to authorities.
The bus, carrying 54 passengers, was en route from Chicago to Michigan's Island Resort and Casino when it left the roadway, traveled down the Webster Avenue off-ramp, and collided with a warehouse. Emergency responders transported 36 injured passengers to local hospitals. Injuries ranged from minor to severe, including a broken arm and rib, and a spinal fracture.
The driver, Ghebry Figueroa, 37, of Prospect Heights, Illinois, reported to police that his brakes failed while exiting. He has been charged with two counts of knowingly operating a motor vehicle while revoked, causing great bodily harm, and one count of operating a motor vehicle while disqualified. Figueroa appeared virtually from the Brown County Jail for an initial court hearing on Tuesday, where a $5,000 cash bond was set and later posted.
During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Lisa Kaster highlighted Figueroa's extensive history of driving-related offenses, including two prior OWIs and a current probation for similar charges. Witnesses reported that one victim, appearing from a hospital bed, stated, “he messed up my life,” while seeking justice.
Following the crash, emergency protocols were activated at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center to manage the influx of patients.
Figueroa is scheduled to return to court on April 1 for a preliminary hearing. The investigation remains ongoing.