Gov. Brown Signs Limo Safety Bill After Bridge Tragedy

In the wake of a limousine fire on the San Mateo Bridge that trapped and killed a bride and four other women, Gov. Jerry Brown announced Tuesday that he had signed legislation requiring fire extinguishers on board and inspections by the California Highway Patrol. According to the CHP, the left rear door could not have been opened from the inside because it had a child-safety lock engaged — a common practice for limo operators because the door is on the traffic side. The CHP said the failure of an air suspension system caused metal beneath the floorboard to scrape against the drive shaft, creating friction, heat and then fire.