Famous US rock band faces huge fines for releasing 800 pounds of feces on tourists

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A famous US rock band is facing large fines after their tour bus accidentally dumped 800 pounds of human waste onto tourists below.

The well-known American rock group encountered significant penalties due to the discharge of 800 pounds of human waste onto sightseers. 

The incident occurred in Chicago on August 8, 2004.

Passengers on a sightseeing boat received an unexpected and unpleasant shower of waste as they passed under a bridge.

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Image Credit: Getty

Imagine a sunny day in Chicago, with tourists enjoying a leisurely cruise along the river on a sightseeing boat. 

Instead of enjoying a pleasant journey, the passengers faced an unfortunate situation. 

Human waste from a tour bus belonging to the Dave Matthews Band rained down on tourists.

As the tour bus was crossing a bridge, a waste tank opened, releasing around 800 pounds of human waste onto the people below. 

The tour bus, driven by Stefan Wohl, happened to be crossing the Kinzie Street Bridge at the same time as the sightseeing boat passed underneath. 

The aftermath of this incident was far from pleasant.

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Stefan Wohl’s tour bus crossed Kinzie Street Bridge as the sightseeing boat passed below. Image Credit: Getty

Approximately 800 pounds of waste material ended up on a large portion of the passengers, including elderly individuals, children, infants, and pregnant women. 

What should have been a relaxing tour of Chicago’s buildings became a messy and upsetting experience for the people on board.

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This unexpected turn of events left around 120 passengers on the boat covered in a mixture of unpleasant substances.

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800 pounds of waste-covered passengers, including elderly, children, and pregnant women. Image Credit: Getty

Famous US rock band faces huge fines for releasing 800 pounds of feces on tourists

An investigation followed the incident, revealing that the band and their management owned the bus. 

Wohl admitted to dumping the waste and received 18 months of probation, 150 hours of community service, and a $10,000 fine paid to Friends of the Chicago River.

The Dave Matthews Band, which prosecutors said cooperated with the investigation, agreed to pay $200,000 to the State of Illinois to settle the case.

The authorities appreciated their cooperation during the investigation.

Additionally, they made separate payments of $50,000 each to both the Chicago Park District and Friends of Chicago River.

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Famous US rock band faces huge fines for releasing 800 pounds of feces on tourists. Image Credit: Getty

The tour company quickly solved the situation

The passengers who experienced the unpleasant shower of waste were understandably upset. 

They complained, and the tour company acted quickly. 

Refunds were offered to those affected, and the boat was cleaned thoroughly to address the complaints.

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Around 120 passengers ended up covered in unpleasant substances. Image Credit: Getty

A spokesperson for First Lady Cruises told FOX 32: “There is certainly no joy in reliving the 2004 event that traumatized our passengers, crew and family businesses.

“Our companies have provided acclaimed experiences on Chicago’s waterways for more than 87 years,

and we choose to not let what took place that day diminish our contributions in showcasing the city we love with the world.”

One of the passengers in the accident recalled their experience

Despite the discomfort and inconvenience faced by the passengers, some individuals have chosen to look back on the incident with a touch of humor. 

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One passenger called it a unique and memorable experience. 

They turned the incident into a funny story that many people in Chicago now remember.

famous us rock band faces huge fines for releasing 800 pounds of feces on t 5478
Image Credit: Getty

 

“The windows were open, it was a beautiful day, and we were driving,

and all of a sudden the most deplorable smell hit us,” Lynn LaPlante recalled to CBS of the incident. 

“I think it’s become more of a touchstone, like a cultural or iconic Chicago touchstone now. 

I look at it with humor. Tbh, I think it’s funny.”


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