Overview
- Fire crews responded after a Mercedes tour bus began smoking and was pulled to the shoulder on the eastbound 60 Freeway; the incident occurred at about 5:38 a.m. Friday and the vehicle soon caught fire.
- Rescuers found one unaccounted passenger dead on the bus and later identified her as 89-year-old Marina Diaz de Pacheco, and a second person was taken to a hospital for treatment.
- The bus, operated by Viajes Azteca and reported to be carrying about 18 passengers to Mexico, evacuated its occupants after the driver noticed mechanical problems and smoke from the rear engine area.
- Responders found the back half of the bus badly burned and discovered propane tanks on board, though officials say it is not yet known if the tanks contributed to the fire and the CHP and coroner continue their probe.
- Investigators will review the vehicle’s maintenance and operator practices as well as the use of on-board propane, and the crash has prompted local traffic disruptions and likely scrutiny of small tour companies’ safety records.