Deadly Bus Fire Investigation
Fatal Tour Bus Fire Triggers Major Lane Closures on 60 Freeway
Key Points
Initial scene details indicate the bus was on the right shoulder when the fire started, with reports of fire coming from the rear and at least two people fleeing the vehicle within a minute of the first call.
CHP officers classified the incident as a fatality shortly before 7 a.m.
Eastbound lane closures were specific: three eastbound lanes were closed, leaving two open, contributing to a multi-mile backup toward the 605; Caltrans crews were called to assist with lane closures.
The Los Angeles County Coroner was requested to visit the scene.
Sky5 video and eyewitness footage showed a heavily charred tour bus on the freeway with luggage and belongings nearby.
One person died Friday morning when a tour bus caught fire on the eastbound 60 Freeway near Azusa Avenue in Hacienda Heights, according to Los Angeles Times. The blaze started around 5:38 a.m. on the right shoulder of the freeway, forcing three of five eastbound lanes to close and creating a traffic backup stretching for miles.
Responders from the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Fire Department rushed to the scene as eyewitness videos showed a heavily charred tour bus with luggage scattered nearby. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner was called to the scene as investigators began working to determine what caused the fire, ABC7 Chicago reported.
Tour Bus Engulfed in Flames on Freeway Shoulder
The fire erupted on the right shoulder of the eastbound 60 Freeway shortly after 5:30 a.m. ABC13 reported that the massive blaze consumed the tour bus, with flames appearing to start from the rear of the vehicle. At least two people fled the bus within a minute of the first emergency call.
Sky5 aerial footage captured the bus completely engulfed, its frame twisted and blackened from the intense heat. Belongings and luggage lay scattered on the shoulder as first responders worked to contain the fire and search for victims.
Authorities Close Three Lanes and Launch Investigation
California Highway Patrol officers classified the incident as a fatal collision shortly before 7 a.m. Three of the five eastbound lanes were shut down, leaving only two lanes open for traffic. The closures caused gridlock that stretched for miles toward the 605 Freeway as drivers were warned to avoid the area.
Caltrans crews were called to assist with managing the lane closures. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office was requested to visit the scene to help identify victims and determine the official cause of death.
Fire Cause Remains Under Investigation
Investigators have not yet determined what triggered the fire on the tour bus. 6ABC reported that authorities were still examining the wreckage to understand whether the bus crashed before catching fire or if the blaze started while the vehicle was stopped on the shoulder.
The investigation remained ongoing Friday as emergency crews processed the scene. Officials have not released the identity of the person killed or revealed any details about other possible victims.
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