A big rig struck another big rig, which then struck a Da Zhen tour bus on the 60 Freeway in Hacienda Heights, injuring 23 people on the morning of Tuesday, January 7th. There were no serious injuries, but 13 of the victims were transferred to local hospitals. The tour bus, labeled “Bus Limo Express”, was traveling from Monterey Park to Pala Casino just past Temecula.
The crash occurred around 9:40 a.m on the 60 Freeway near Seventh Avenue. According to authorities, one big rig hit a second big rig to begin a chain reaction crash. After being struck, the second truck veered towards the center divider, striking the tour bus. The tour bus was carrying 30 people. 22 of the passengers were treated for minor to moderate injuries, 12 of whom were hospitalized. The bus driver was also hospitalized with moderate injuries.
A second tour bus collected the non-hospitalized crash victims and traveled on to the casino. All but one lane on the eastbound 60 Freeway were closed following the collision, backing up traffic for miles. All lanes were reopened about three hours later.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, but do not believe the tour bus or the tour bus driver to be responsible.
