It has been two decades since the infamous Dave Matthews Band tour bus incident along the Chicago River that left tourists soaked in a “brownish-yellow slurry.” The driver of the bus, Stefan Wohl, made a disgusting mistake by hitting the eject button on the septic tank while the bus was on the Kinzie Street bridge, resulting in 800 pounds of human waste pouring down onto people taking an architectural tour boat cruise below. More than 100 passengers were on board that day on August 8, 2004, and the immediate aftermath was chaotic as the boat had to return to its dock for disinfection.
The incident left a lasting impact on those who were on the boat that day. Lynn LaPlante, one of the passengers, described the moment when the foul smell hit them, saying, “The windows were open, it was a beautiful day, and we were driving, and all of a sudden the most deplorable smell hit us.” Despite the unpleasant experience, some have chosen to look back on the event with humor. LaPlante mentioned that she now sees it as a touchstone, a cultural and iconic moment in Chicago’s history that can be viewed in a lighthearted manner.
Stefan Wohl, the driver responsible for the incident, admitted to dumping the waste from the bus. He pleaded guilty to reckless conduct and discharging contaminants to cause water pollution, leading to a sentence of 18 months probation, 150 hours of community service, and a $10,000 fine. The Dave Matthews Band, to which the bus belonged, cooperated in the investigation and eventually agreed to pay $200,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the state Attorney General, Lisa Madigan. Despite the band’s cooperation, Wohl never drove a bus for them again, marking the end of his association with the group.
### A Renewed Interest in the Incident
As the 20th anniversary of the Dave Matthews Band bus incident approaches, there is a renewed interest in the event. Lucas Xavier Simes, an amateur Chicago historian, has taken it upon himself to document the incident in a documentary titled “The Crappening.” Simes aims to gather firsthand accounts from individuals who were on the boat that day and hear their stories from a personal perspective, which has not been captured on film before. Through his Kickstarter campaign, Simes has already received comments from some witnesses, showing the lasting impact the incident had on those involved.
While some are willing to share their experiences, others are less eager to revisit that fateful day. Tracy Dangott, one of the passengers drenched in the waste, expressed how the memory of the incident continues to resurface each year, with reminders from friends and the media. Despite the passage of time, the impact of the Dave Matthews bus incident remains vivid for those who were directly affected, serving as a reminder of a bizarre and unforgettable moment in Chicago’s history.
### Reflections and Reactions
The incident has left a lasting impression on both locals and out-of-towners alike. Simes noted that stories like the Dave Matthews bus dumping are often met with disbelief by those unfamiliar with the event, drawing parallels to other infamous Chicago tales. The incident has become a part of the city’s cultural fabric, with references and reflections on the event popping up in various forms over the years.
While some find humor in looking back on the incident, others, like Chicago’s First Lady tour company, choose to remember it with solemnity. The company released a statement emphasizing that the event was traumatic for their passengers, crew, and business, highlighting the lasting impact it had on those involved. For individuals like Dangott, the incident serves as a modern-day urban legend, a story that is both unbelievable and unforgettable in equal measure.
Despite the passage of time, certain triggers continue to evoke memories of that fateful day for those who were on the boat. Dangott mentioned how certain smells and sounds can transport him back to the moment when he was caught in the midst of the waste pouring down from the bridge. The incident remains a significant chapter in Chicago’s history, with varying reactions and reflections from those who experienced it firsthand.
In conclusion, the Dave Matthews Band bus incident continues to resonate with individuals who were directly impacted by the event. Two decades later, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the enduring legacy of a moment that left a lasting mark on Chicago’s history. As the city reflects on this bizarre chapter, it underscores the importance of remembering the past, even when it involves unpleasant memories.