CALIFORNIA, USA — Thirteen people were injured Friday when a Greyhound bus blew a tire and veered into a sports utility vehicle and a center divider wall on a California desert highway, authorities said.
There were 33 people aboard the bus when it crashed in Banning, about 90 miles east of Los Angeles while heading from Los Angeles to Phoenix on Interstate 10, said California Highway Patrol Officer Jason Montez.
Thirteen people were taken to hospitals but only one of those injured suffered a major injury, believed to be a compound fracture, and the rest had minor injuries, Montez said.
Two of the injured people were in the Mitsubishi that was struck by the bus and the other 11 were from the bus, he said.
The bus was traveling at about 60-65 mph when its left front tire blew out and it veered to the left and hit the Mitsubishi and then the center divider, he said.
Uninjured bus passengers were taken to a tribal hall on the Morongo Indian reservation.
"Our primary concern is ensuring we care for our passengers and driver at this time. We are working closely with highway patrol and we have no further comment," Greyhound officials said.
Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Don’t speed or drive aggressively
Never drive while under the influence of substances
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
Stay extra aware in work zones
Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
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