Alhambra bus crash: Driver passed out or fell asleep, officials say
The Foothill Transit bus driver who crashed in the San Gabriel Valley on Tuesday night -- injuring eight people -- either passed out or fell asleep before the incident, authorities say.
The California Highway Patrol identified the driver as 53-year-old Myrna Castillo of El Monte. Authorities said she lost control of her bus about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday near the interchange of the 10 and 710 freeways.
“The Foothill Transit bus ... collided with the right shoulder sound wall and careened off the wall re-entering traffic,” according to a CHP report.
Alhambra Fire Department Chief John Cermak said the woman either fell asleep or passed out, causing the Silver Streak bus to go out of control, drifting back and forth across lanes. There were 14 passengers on board, according to the CHP.
“How it didn’t hit any other cars, I’m not quite sure,” Cermak said Tuesday night.
Eight people were taken to four hospitals. Seven, including the driver, had minor injuries. One passenger who sustained deep cuts to an arm was probably sitting near the window when the bus struck the retaining wall, Cermak said.
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