A church bus crash in the San Bernardino Mountains near Crestline on Monday has left almost two dozen young people with serious injuries. The bus driver, a church volunteer, was killed in the accident. KPCC reports that the middle- and high school-aged students aboard the bus are members of the Light of Love Mission Church in Pasadena and were on their way home after a three-day retreat.
The crash took place after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while coming around a bend on Highway 189. The bus crashed into an SUV in the opposite lane and then proceeded to fall approximately 20 feet down a snow covered ravine. A doctor at the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital stated that they have treated over a dozen crash victims, seven of whom are still in the hospital with serious injuries from broken bones to severe head injuries and spinal injuries. Three patients are reported to be in serious condition, and four are in fair condition. The doctor also stated that some accident victims have had to undergo operations and others may require operative stabilization of orthopedic injuries.
Investigators with the California Highway Patrol are expected to carry out an accident reconstruction based on skid marks and other evidence to identify the cause of the fatal California church bus accident.
The Los Angeles Times also covered the accident and highlighted concern regarding the lack of safety belts on the bus. It is suspected that passengers suffered serious injuries because they were thrown forward with great force. There is no law in California that requires school buses or church buses to have seat belts for passengers.
At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our California church bus accident lawyers understand the many physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can result from church bus collisions. Because there is often more than one person or entity at fault for a church bus accident, these cases require thorough investigation and attorneys with years of experience handling bus accident litigation. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you hold negligent parties accountable. Call 1-877-800-1700 for a free consultation.
