A tour bus crash in California has left 13 dead and 31 others injured in a early Sunday morning crash just before sunrise. Riverside Police say a California tour bus crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer at 5:17 a.m. on Interstate 10, just north of Palm Springs. According to the Riverside County Coroner's office, 13 people aboard the bus have been confirmed dead. Police say the disastrous crash shut down the entire westbound 10 Freeway west of Indian Canyon Road.
Rescuers continued for several hours to search through the wreckage for more victims. Pictures and video taken at the scene show a bus demolished by what firefighters say was a grinding crash. The front of the bus was completely smashed into the back of the semi. Firefighters had to use ladders to get into the passenger compartment of the bus as they searched for victims.
A California Highway Patrol Officer said 31 people including the truck driver sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in the Coachella Valley. Investigators say the bus had departed the Red Earth Casino in Salton City and was traveling to Los Angeles when the crash occurred. The investigation continues, and police say the death toll may rise. The tour bus has been identified as a USA Holiday bus which is based in Los Angeles and typically transports people from LA to Southern California casinos.
If you have been a victim of a commercial transportation accident, please contact Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, for trusted legal counsel and support.