THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND have been accused of dumping 800lb (360 kg) of human waste from their tourbus onto a boat filled with passengers on an architecture trip.
It’s claimed that more than 100 people were drenched in sewage in the incident (August 8), when the driver of the bus emptied the septic tank through a grate in the Kinzie Street bridge and into the Chicago river below.
The state of Illinois is now suing the band for violating state laws.
The band and one of its drivers are facing civil penalties of $70,000 (£39,000) from the state for allegedly violating water pollution and public nuisance legislation.
According to BBC News, a spokesperson for The Dave Matthews Band said: “Our driver has stated that he was not involved in this incident.”
He added that the band “will continue to be co-operative in this investigation”.
All of the people on the tour boat were refunded for the trip and none were seriously injured. The boat was cleaned with disinfectant.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan said: “This incident may be unique, but that does not lessen the environmental or public health risks posed by the release of at least 800lbs of liquid human waste into a busy waterway and onto a crowded tour boat.”