Los Angeles, California — A tour bus accident in Los Angeles turned deadly early Sunday morning when a vehicle collision on State Route 60 led to the death of one person and injuries to 32 others. The incident, near Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles County, highlights the devastating consequences of roadway hazards and the importance of legal awareness for accident victims.
Details of the Incident
On Sunday, just after 5 a.m. PT, a tour bus carrying 63 passengers was traveling westbound on State Route 60 when it struck a stalled Nissan Pathfinder. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the SUV had become disabled in the middle of the freeway for reasons that remain under investigation.
Upon impact, the Nissan caught fire. The lone occupant, trapped inside, was unable to escape and tragically died at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name.
The crash force caused the tour bus, driven by Sui Sheng Du, to veer right across several lanes before hitting a metal and wood guardrail along the shoulder. Although the fire did not spread to the bus, 32 passengers were injured, with two reported in critical condition and others sustaining minor to moderate injuries. All injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The bus was en route to Koreatown in downtown Los Angeles from Morongo Valley, located approximately 110 miles east of the city. The CHP has confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected as contributing factors in the collision.
Legal and Public Safety Considerations
This tour bus accident in Los Angeles highlights several key legal and public safety issues:
1. Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents: In California, determining liability in a crash involving multiple vehicles, especially commercial vehicles like tour buses, requires a thorough investigation. Key questions include whether the bus driver maintained appropriate speed and vigilance, if the SUV had visible hazards activated, and whether road conditions played a role.
2. Bus Passenger Rights: Tour bus companies owe their passengers a heightened duty of care. Victims injured in bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and long-term rehabilitation.
3. Dangers of Stalled Vehicles and Low Visibility: Crashes involving disabled vehicles on the roadway are more common and deadly than many realize. Impact Research found that from 2016 to 2018, an estimated 566 deaths and 14,371 injuries occurred annually in crashes involving disabled vehicles where visibility likely played a role.
Free Consultations for Accident Victims
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and hope for a full recovery for all who were injured. At Farahi Law Firm, our award-winning personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles understands the trauma of accidents involving commercial vehicles like tour buses. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and help you pursue justice.
If you or a loved one was affected by a bus accident, call us today to learn how we can support your recovery and secure the compensation you deserve.
