SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2022) — A fatal bus accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway left a Las Vegas woman dead and several others seriously injured in unincorporated Barstow.
The solo bus accident occurred about 11:33 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13th, just north of Rasor Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The 2016 Volvo bus, owned by Tufesa USA LLC, was heading south on the I-15 Freeway when for unknown reasons it reportedly veered off the freeway into the open desert. The bus reportedly hit a raised dirt berm and became airborne before it violently slammed back down, according to Victor Valley News Group. The vehicle also hit a concrete retaining wall before it abruptly came to a stop.
Investigators initially believed the bus overturned, but that was not the case. However, the impact did cause at least four or five people to be ejected during the crash including Velia Monarrez, 68, of Las Vegas who died at the scene. Also, at least seven people from the bus were critically injured.
Among the 11 people who survived the crash, was the 51-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada man driving the tour bus.
Bus Passengers Seriously Injured in Interstate 15 Freeway Crash
Paramedics with San Bernardino County Fire responded to the scene with multiple ambulances and four air ambulances from Mercy Air to transport those hurt in the crash. Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) and Desert Ambulance were also assisting.
At least three people suffered major injuries including a 59-year-old Las Vegas man who was taken to University Medical Center. Also, a 36-year-old Las Vegas woman was taken to Sunrise Medical Center and a 41-year-old Las Vegas woman was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Additionally, the bus driver and a 10-year-old Las Vegas juvenile both suffered moderate injuries were taken to Barstow Community Hospital.
Meanwhile, investigators are working on the case to determine what caused the crash and liability.
—————————————————————————————————————-
Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Also, if you would like to contribute any information or have legal questions, please contact us as soon as possible. Our law firm is a longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
SOURCES: CHP, Victor Valley News Group
- Jamul Crash Campo Road (State Route 94), Lyons Valley Road - April 26, 2024
- Multi-Vehicle Crash Riverside 91 Freeway, University Avenue - April 26, 2024
- Lisandro Santos Died in Highway 99 Crash; Wrong-Way Driver Arrested - April 26, 2024
