A deadly early morning collision on Mother’s Day has left one person dead and dozens hospitalized after a tour bus slammed into a disabled SUV on the 60 Freeway in Hacienda Heights.
The crash occurred just after 5 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in the westbound lanes near Hacienda Boulevard. According to authorities, a tour bus carrying more than 60 passengers struck a stationary Nissan Pathfinder that had become disabled in the roadway. The force of the impact caused the SUV to erupt in flames, trapping and killing the driver inside.
Emergency responders treated 32 bus passengers at the scene, with two listed in critical condition and the rest reporting minor to moderate injuries. In total, 63 individuals were on the bus, which had been returning from a casino trip in the Coachella Valley to Koreatown in Los Angeles.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
Initial findings suggest the SUV had broken down in the #1 lane before being struck. The cause of the vehicle’s malfunction is not yet known, but breakdowns in active traffic lanes are inherently dangerous, especially in low-visibility, early-morning hours when reaction time for oncoming drivers is limited. Whether the vehicle had its hazard lights on, or if the bus driver was distracted or fatigued, remains under investigation.
Bus-related accidents often involve unique risks, particularly when passengers are not secured by seat belts. In this incident, some passengers reported being thrown from their seats upon impact. Poor nighttime visibility, road conditions, and driver attentiveness all play a role in multi-vehicle freeway crashes like this one.
Tour buses are commercial carriers with heightened legal responsibilities for passenger safety. When a vehicle under their operation strikes another, especially a stationary vehicle, investigators will typically assess whether the driver was following proper safety protocols and whether fatigue, inattention, or mechanical failure were involved.
Legal Rights After a Bus Accident
Victims of bus accidents, especially those involving commercial operators, may have the right to pursue claims for compensation. These can include coverage for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation if injuries are severe.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers represent victims of catastrophic transportation accidents, including bus and commercial vehicle crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus collision, it’s critical to act quickly. Our team can help investigate the incident, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue a claim on your behalf.
For a free consultation, contact Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.