Nearly two dozen returning from youth retreat injured in overturned bus crash in San Bernardino County
By Dean Fioresi
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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Nearly two dozen people heading back from a youth church retreat were injured when a bus overturned in the San Bernardino Mountains on Sunday night.
The crash happened at around 8:50 p.m. on Highway 330 near mile marker 38 between Highland and Running Springs, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The bus was one of several carrying teens, retreat staff, and volunteers from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Ana that had departed from a three-day youth retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Firefighters say that of the 36 people on board, 20 sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Three of the patients suffered severe injuries, firefighters said.
“The remainder of the passengers suffered minor injuries and were not transported or reported no injury at all,” said a post on X from firefighters.
It’s unclear what led to the crash, but firefighters said that the bus was the only vehicle involved. They’re still working with California Highway Patrol officers to determine the cause.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the first-responder agencies for their prompt and professional response in safely evacuating passengers and ensuring they received proper medical attention,” The Diocese of Orange said in a statement.
Firefighters said that there was no fire or hazards on the bus, which was transporting both adults and teenagers.
San Bernardino National Forest personnel were assisting with the incident, as well as firefighters from the Big Bear, Arrowbear and Running Springs fire departments.
SR-330 was closed in both directions as the investigation continued. CHP officers urged drivers to use alternate routes like SR-18 to avoid the closure. There was no estimated timetable for when the road would reopen.
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