Two women were killed and 8 others were injured when a Greyhound bus originating in Los Angeles overturned after crashing into safety barrels on the 101 Freeway in San Jose early Tuesday, January 19th. The driver of the bus, Gary Bonslater, 58, of Victorville, admitted to being fatigued before the crash.
According to authorities, the Greyhound bus departed Los Angeles just before midnight carrying 22 passengers. The bus had made a stop in Gilroy before the incident, where two passengers were dropped off and Bonslater reportedly bought a cup of coffee. The bus had more scheduled stops in San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland.
At 6:40 a.m., the bus was traveling north on State Highway 101 at a normal speed when Bonslater attempted to transition to State Highway 85. The bus struck safety barrels placed at the transition and flipped onto its side, striking the median divider. Witnesses described a horrific scene.
Two victims were ejected from the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the deceased victims has been identified as Fely Olivera, 51, of San Francisco. Eight others, ranging in age from 8 to 72, sustained minor to major injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash. They do not believe that alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. The bus involved in the incident had passed mechanical inspections numerous times. Though Bonslater admitted to being fatigued, he has not said that he fell asleep at the wheel.
