Maryland State Police say bus driver in I-270 bus crash had heart attack, slumped over wheel

Police: Bus driver had heart attack in Md. crash

BETHESDA, Md. — Maryland State Police say an autopsy reveals the driver of a bus that crashed last week, injuring 11 passengers, had a heart attack and died at the wheel.

Police say 66-year-old Joseph Clabaugh of Hanover, Pa., died of a heart attack and not from injuries in the crash. The autopsy results were released Monday.

Passengers have told investigators that Clabaugh appeared to be sweating heavily before the crash last Wednesday. One passenger asked Clabaugh if he was OK before the driver appeared to pass out and slump over.

The mini-coach bus with 11 passengers plunged off an elevated ramp on Interstate 270 in Bethesda, rolled down the embankment and came to rest with only a temporary barrier keeping it from falling into traffic below.