A tour bus taking senior citizens to the casino overturned on Interstate 210 in Irwindale the morning of Thursday, August 22. 52 bus passengers and three people from other vehicles were injured in the crash. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on the 210 east, near Interstate 605. The 210 was shutdown in both directions as a result of the crash. Westbound lanes reopened around 11 a.m. and eastbound lanes reopened around 2 p.m.
The bus was operated by Da Zhen Travel Agency, a Chinese tour bus company in Monterey Park. The bus was scheduled to arrive at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino for a day trip. The company operates nine buses, and have never before been involved in an accident. The passengers were senior citizens aged between 60 and 80. A triage was set up at the scene of the crash, and numerous serious injuries were reported, though most injuries were minor or moderate. At least two dozen passengers were taken to local hospitals.
Witnesses have stated that the bus was in the left most lane when it braked very hard, crossing all lanes and overturning in the right shoulder. Authorities are continuing to investigate, but do believe that the crash occurred after an unsafe lane change by the bus driver, Jinquan Yang, 55 of Alhambra.
