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A FedEx truck crossed a grass median on Interstate 5 and crashed into a charter bus carrying Los Angeles high school students with plans to tour Humboldt State University on Thursday, April 10th.

A FedEx truck crossed a grass median on Interstate 5 and crashed into a charter bus carrying Los Angeles high school students with plans to tour Humboldt State University on Thursday, April 10th. Both drivers, three chaperones, and five students were killed in the collision. At least 34 others were taken to local hospitals with cuts, burns, and broken bones. The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. about 100 miles north of Sacramento.

The incident is still under investigation. According to authorities, the FedEx truck crossed the grassy median of Interstate 5 in Orland. The big rig sideswiped a car, then collided head on with the charter bus. The collision was followed by numerous explosions, engulfing the wreckage in flames, followed by even more explosions. Authorities are unsure why the big rig crossed the median.

The students were en route to an annual Humboldt State University program that brings low-income college prospects to the campus for an overnight visit. Students stay overnight in the on-campus residence halls, meet with faculty and Humboldt students, and attend events. Grief counselors were made available for the victims of the crash and other students attending the college visit.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a field team to investigate the crash. FedEx is cooperating with investigators.