Texas Bus Company Sued for Negligence Amid Cartel Kidnappings

A bus company operating in South Texas is facing a million-dollar lawsuit due to alleged negligence during a series of cartel kidnappings in Mexico. The lawsuit, filed in the 430th Texas State District Court, claims that Autobuses Ejecutivos LLC, Bus Investors LLC, and Dos Naciones Inc. failed to inform their customers about the dangers associated with traveling between South Texas and Mexico. The companies operated under the names Omex VIP, Omnibus, and Omnibus Express, providing services that included crossing international borders. On May 29, one of their buses was reportedly stopped by armed gunmen, resulting in the kidnapping of at least two passengers. The lawsuit asserts that the bus companies were aware of the ongoing wave of kidnappings but did not take necessary precautions, such as installing GPS trackers or security cameras on their buses. This negligence is particularly concerning given the recent travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State regarding the risks of kidnapping in the border city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Despite the warnings, the Tamaulipas government has denied the claims, arguing that the U.S. Department of State relied on anecdotal evidence rather than statistical data showing a decline in crime rates. The situation has raised significant concerns about the safety of travelers using bus services in the region, especially in light of the increasing violence associated with cartel activities. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the bus companies involved and may prompt a reevaluation of safety measures for travelers in areas affected by cartel violence. It highlights the need for transportation companies to prioritize passenger safety and provide adequate warnings about potential dangers.