24 people injured when Greyhound bus crashes, tips over in Tulare
The California Highway Patrol is investigating why a bus went off the highway in Tulare, crashed through a chain-link fence, and ended up on its side in a parking lot, injuring 24 people.
Officer Steve Beal said Thursday the driver was given a DUI test that showed he was not driving under the influence when the Greyhound bus crashed at 3 a.m. Wednesday on northbound Highway 99, near Avenue 264.
"We've eliminated alcohol and drugs," Beal said. "We're looking into fatigue, but we're not sure yet."
The agency is working with Greyhound officials to collect records on the driver including how many hours the driver had been working. The driver had major injuries and was hospitalized, Beale said.
The bus was carrying 34 passengers and 23 had minor to moderate injuries, including several who were taken to three different hospitals, Beale said.
Another Greyhound bus picked up the uninjured passengers and took them to their destination, he said.
The bus originated from Los Angeles and was headed to Fresno. It had stopped in Bakersfield before it crashed about 5 miles north of Tulare.
In June, 13 people were injured after a Greyhound bus blew a tire and veered into a car and a center divider wall on a California desert highway near Banning.
Beal wanted to remind drivers the dangers of drowsy driving.
"It's always good to remind the public to be aware of fatigue and what to do," he added.
The CHP provided the following tips to avoid drowsy driving:
Getting enough sleep before driving.
Driving with a passenger and switching drivers before you start to feel drowsy.
Taking regular rest stops even if you are not tired.
Avoiding alcohol or medications that can cause drowsiness.
Stay alert and drive without distraction not only to protect yourself, but to protect your passengers and other motorists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Greyhound bus crash injures 24 people in Tulare
