NTSB probing crash of charter bus that 'just flipped over,' killing 3 on California freeway
Four federal investigators were sent to California on Sunday to aid local authorities trying to determine what caused a charter bus to roll off a freeway north of San Diego, ejecting some passengers and killing three people.
National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Eric Weiss told USA TODAY investigators could decide to review specific aspects of the crash – such as the bus roof, since the board has campaigned for stronger motorcoach roofs.
If the NTSB conducts a full investigation, a preliminary report should be available within two weeks, although a final report detailing the cause of the accident could take up to two years, Weiss said.
"They will take a look at the driver, the coach itself, the environment, weather, speed limits, everything," Weiss said. "It's not only what happened but why it happened, and any recommendations we can make to improve highway safety."
The California Highway Patrol, North County fire officials and other departments also are investigating Saturday's tragedy in Pala Mesa.
"We had 21 total patients. 18 have been transported," the Fire Protection District said on Twitter. "We are brokenhearted to report we have 3 deceased on scene."
The bus was on southbound Interstate 15 at about 10:30 a.m. local time when the vehicle veered to the right, traversed the road shoulder and toppled off the highway, California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Latulippe said. The bus tumbled a few feet down an embankment and landed upside down in brush about 45 miles north of San Diego.
The wreck prompted a miles-long backup southbound on I-15. It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, authorities said. Latulippe said it was raining at the time but added that "it is very rare that rain actually causes crashes."
3 dead, 18 injured: Charter bus rolls off highway in Southern California
He said some minors were on the bus, but he believed those killed were all adults. A boy, 5, was in critical condition with a head injury, Latulippe said. One of those killed had been ejected and was trapped under the vehicle, he said.
"It's the type of scene that officers have to respond to, and it is one that probably they aren't going to forget. Ever," he said.
Latulippe said the bus was equipped with seat belts. He said the driver, whose name was not released, suffered minor injuries and was cooperating with investigators.
North County Fire Capt. John Choi said the rescue was delayed while first responders stabilized the precariously positioned bus to ensure it would not slide down the embankment.
Christopher Williams told nbcsandiego.com he saw the bus hydroplane across highway lanes before veering to the right about 200 yards in front of his car.
"The bus driver tried to turn the wheel and (the bus) hit an embankment and just flipped over, went down the hill," Williams said. "(I) got out and just ran down the hill, started just picking people up and carrying them up the hill."
Contributing: Grace Hauck
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bus crash: 3 dead, child critical after wreck on California freeway
