FIERY – Tour Bus SLAMS Into Stalled SUV!
A tour bus en route to Los Angeles collided with a disabled SUV on State Route 60 early Sunday, killing one and injuring 32 in a fiery crash that shut down the freeway for hours.
At a Glance
Crash occurred at 5:03 a.m. on May 11 on SR-60 in Hacienda Heights
SUV burst into flames; driver pronounced dead at the scene
Tour bus carrying 63 passengers veered into a guardrail after impact
32 injured, including two critically; others transported by alternate bus
CHP ruled out drugs and alcohol; investigation into SUV’s failure ongoing
Fiery Crash Stuns Morning Commuters
A Sunday morning turned deadly in Hacienda Heights when a packed tour bus collided with a stalled SUV on westbound State Route 60. The crash happened just after 5 a.m. near Azusa Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. The Nissan Pathfinder had reportedly come to a stop in the middle of a lane and was hit by the charter bus, which was en route from Morongo Valley to Los Angeles’ Koreatown.
The collision ignited the SUV, trapping the driver inside as flames engulfed the vehicle. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the bus careened into a guardrail, its windshield shattered and sides buckled. Authorities later identified the bus driver as Sui Sheng Du, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Watch a report: 1 Dead, Dozens Injured in SR-60 Tour Bus Collision | ABC7 Eyewitness News
Emergency Response and Casualties
First responders rushed to the crash site, quickly extinguishing the vehicle fire and stabilizing the injured. A total of 32 people were taken to nearby hospitals, two in critical condition. Another 31 bus passengers who escaped serious harm were placed on a second bus and transported to their intended destination. CHP officials confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the incident, emphasizing that the SUV’s sudden disablement remains a key focus of the investigation.
A statement from the CHP explained, “As a result of the impact, the Nissan Pathfinder became fully engulfed in flames, trapping the occupant.” As of Monday morning, the identity of the SUV’s driver has not been publicly released pending family notification.
Investigation and Public Safety Questions
The crash led to significant freeway closures as investigators combed the scene for evidence. Westbound lanes of State Route 60 remained shut until approximately 10:30 a.m., causing major traffic backups throughout the region. In the aftermath, images and videos from the scene, including this clip shared by local observers, depicted a chaotic wreckage site.
Authorities are now working to determine why the SUV was stopped in an active lane and whether any mechanical failures contributed to the crash. The incident has prompted renewed debate over highway safety protocols, particularly the risks posed by stalled vehicles on high-speed interstates. Experts say the tragedy underscores the need for quicker detection systems, better driver warning tools, and public awareness on how to handle roadside emergencies.
As CHP’s probe continues, the haunting visuals of a burning SUV and shattered bus stand as grim reminders of how rapidly routine travel can turn catastrophic. With lives lost and others forever altered, the collision raises pressing questions about infrastructure readiness and accident prevention on America’s busiest roads.