Eight Die, Thirty-Eight Hospitalized After California Bus Crash

A California collision between a tour bus and a two vehicles, killed at least eight, and injured more than 40 Sunday (Feb.3). The massive crash, on a stretch of highway near Yucaipa, happened at around 6:30 p.m.

Early figures say eight died, but the number is expected to rise, after officials complete their investigation.

The tour bus rear-ended a sedan and collided with a pick-up truck before rolling over, approximately 80 miles east of Los Angeles. The bus slid across two lanes, sustained damage to its front end, and had part of its roof ripped open. "It's really a mess up there with body parts," said Michelle Profant, spokesperson for the California Department of Transportation.

According to California Highway Patrol spokesman, Mario Lopez, up to 10 people may be dead, while 38 were taken to the hospital. Over 40 people are said to have been injured.

Passengers on the bus departed from Tijauna early Sunday morning, headed for Big Bear, Calif., an area where many go to see the snow. "The information that we have it that the bus' brakes failed and the accident occurred," said Jordi Garcia the manager of InterBus Tour, the company which ran the trip.

A California-based company, Scapadas Magicas LLC, operated the bus. Federal transportation records show that the company hasn't had an accident in two years.