Fatal Crash on Southern California Freeway Leaves One Dead, Dozens Injured

A tragic early morning collision on State Route 60 (CA-60) near Hacienda Heights has left one person dead and 32 others injured, two critically. The incident, involving a tour bus and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), occurred just after 5:00 a.m. on May 11, snarling traffic and prompting a multi-agency response.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials confirmed that the SUV was found fully engulfed in flames upon arrival at the scene. The driver of the SUV, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire was contained to the SUV and did not spread to the tour bus.

Thirty-two occupants of the tour bus sustained injuries, with two reported in critical condition. All 32 were transported to area hospitals for treatment. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, 26 of those injured suffered minor injuries.

Investigation Underway

Preliminary investigations by the CHP indicate the SUV became disabled, obstructing a lane of the freeway. The tour bus subsequently collided with the rear of the disabled vehicle. The impact caused the bus to swerve across multiple lanes before crashing into a guardrail on the right shoulder of CA-60.

Visuals from the scene show extensive damage to the tour bus, including a shattered windshield. The bus came to rest leaning against the freeway shoulder.

Freeway Closure and Reopening

The collision prompted a significant closure of State Route 60, impacting morning commuters in the area. All lanes were reopened to traffic around 10:30 a.m., following the completion of the on-site investigation.

Alcohol and Drugs Ruled Out

The CHP has stated that alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been contributing factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the initial SUV disablement and the subsequent collision.