FOX25 Investigates: Loophole may have helped limo company avoid inspection before fire

NATICK, Mass. — The company that owns a limo that burst into flames while carrying students to prom earlier this month may have been taking advantage of legal loopholes.

FOX25 Investigates looked into the company, Boston Bob’s Limousine Service, and the driver of that vehicle, Yasir Sati.

Investigative Reporter Kerry Kavanaugh asked half a dozen state agencies if they were investigating the company, including the agency that regulates limos. None of them were looking in to the company.

Alexander Goudsmit was one of the 10 teens in that limo when flames began. His mother, Paula, said she was skeptical of the vehicle as soon as she saw it.

"When it pulled around the corner, I thought 'this doesn't really look like a really great, well maintained vehicle,'” she said.

FOX25 tried calling Boston Bob’s several times but never got a response. A Facebook page for the company listed an address in Revere that lead FOX25 to the Shipwreck Lounge on Revere Beach.

Even the Revere Clerk’s office said Boston Bob’s does not have an active business license with them.

Sati, the limo driver, has had 19 entries on his driving record since 2005, including four speeding tickets, two failure to stops and one at-fault crash, according to DMV records obtained by FOX25.

"Why would he be able to continue to do business?” Goudsmit asked.

FOX25 uncovered a loophole that may have allowed the company to go unchecked.

The Department of Public Utilities regulates limos licensed to carry nine or more passengers, but Boston Bob’s was only licensed to carry six.

"As the vehicle is registered as a six passenger Lincoln Town Car, it is not subject to DPU jurisdiction or DPU inspection,” the DPU told FOX25.

But on the night of the fire, there were 10 passengers in the limo, which was not a six passenger car.

The Attorney General's office told FOX25 there been no complaints against the company.

FOX25 sent photos of the limousine in question to the DPU for review.

Cox Media Group