Five high school students, three chaperones, their charter bus driver and the driver of a FedEx truck were killed Thursday in a fiery crash in Northern California. Humboldt State University had organized a caravan of three motorcoaches to transport prospective students for Spring Preview Day.
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy confirmed that 19 students from 16 area high schools were on board the bus that was hit by the FedEx truck.
Humboldt State President Rollin Richmond said the three charter buses were traveing north on Interstate 5 near Orland, about 100 miles northwest of Sacramento, at approximately 5:41 p.m. local time when the crash occurred. The California Highway Patrol said the FedEx driver was traveling southbound when the vehicle crossed a grassy median and hit the motorcoach.
An NTSB crash investigation “go team” team was expected on scene by noon local time Friday.
The CHP confirmed more than 30 injuries, with students being treated at six hospitals in the area surrounding the accident scene. No further information has been released about the victims.
“The entire California State University is deeply saddened tonight as information is unfolding about the lives lost and injuries sustained in a horrific accident involving a bus en route to Humboldt State,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends directly affected, along with the heroic first responders. The Humboldt and Chico State campuses — where many of the injured have been taken — are fully mobilized throughout this evening and into the days ahead as we attend to those needing support and assistance.”
