Prosecutors in southern Minnesota have reviewed the evidence from a fatal tour bus crash a month ago and decided not to file criminal charges.

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson said Friday the evidence shows the bus driver, 52-year-old Edwin Erickson of Elgin, developed sudden, unforeseen internal bleeding, passed out behind the wheel and crashed the bus Nov. 18. Two people died from injuries sustained from the crash, and 21 were injured, including the driver.

The bus, operated by Strain Motor Coach Co. in Rochester, was returning from Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa, when it reportedly crossed the center median, two westbound lanes and went into the ditch on the north side of the freeway. The bus overturned in the ditch coming to rest on its side. It happened on Interstate 90 three miles west of Austin.

Rhonda Hill, 52, of Plainview, and Pamela Holmquist, 56, of Kasson died in the crash.

Following the crash, the Minnesota State Patrol and other agencies began an investigation into the matter.

John Patton, lawyer with Patton & Ryan law firm, who is representing Strain Motorcoach in the case, said the bus company is pleased the county attorney is taking the position announced Friday.

“We’ve known from the beginning that this was a sudden medical event experienced by our driver,” Patton said. “It was completely unexpected. We remain concerned about the passengers and the families of those who died in the accident.”

Strain Motorcoach Tours representatives said early on that the driver had suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his chest that increased blood flow to the head, causing the driver to pass out.

Two days after the crash, Minnesota State Patrol Capt. Matt Langer said one factor being considered was whether Erickson suffered a “medical episode” while behind the wheel.