Local News
Mass Casualty Incident Declared After Bus Carrying Children Overturns After Crashing on Railroad Tracks in Lancaster
LANCASTER, Calif. – A mass casualty incident was declared Wednesday morning after a city transit bus carrying multiple passengers, including children, overturned following a crash on railroad tracks in Lancaster, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:18 a.m. near Sierra Highway and West Avenue C.
Initial reports indicate that the bus lost control, crossed over the railroad tracks, and overturned, coming to rest on its side adjacent to the tracks.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, where they reported as many as 20 individuals requiring medical attention.
The exact number of adults and children on board at the time of the crash has not yet been confirmed.
Among the injured is an 8-year-old boy, who is reported to be in stable condition.
A medical helicopter was requested to transport him for further treatment.
Another individual is in critical condition, though no additional information about that patient’s identity or age has been released.
The City of Lancaster confirmed that the railroad tracks sustained damage as a result of the crash.
Union Pacific and Metrolink, which operate trains on the affected route, have been notified of the incident. It is not yet clear whether any train traffic was active or scheduled in the area at the time.
As of Wednesday afternoon, both directions of Sierra Highway near the crash site have been closed to allow for emergency operations and a thorough investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
This remains a developing story.
Authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash and confirm the identities and conditions of those involved.
Local News
High-Angle Rescue in Progress After Teen Climbs 900-Foot KSDK TV Transmission Tower in Affton
AFFTON, MO — Emergency crews are conducting a high-angle rescue operation in Affton, Missouri, after a 17-year-old male reportedly climbed nearly 900 feet up a television transmission tower belonging to local station KSDK on Heege Road.
According to officials with the Lemay Fire Protection District, the call for assistance came in around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses reported seeing the teenager scaling the tower.
Responding units from both the Affton Fire Protection District and Lemay Fire Protection District quickly arrived on scene and established a command post at the base of the structure.
Fire officials confirmed that the individual, described as a 17-year-old male, was observed barefoot and positioned approximately 850 feet above the ground.
Authorities say they believe the teen may be under the influence of alcohol or another substance, though that has not been confirmed.
Specialized technical rescue teams are currently coordinating efforts to reach and safely bring the teen down from the tower.
The operation is described as extremely dangerous and complex, given the height and structural conditions.
Law enforcement personnel have secured the surrounding area, and roads near the tower have been closed as a precaution while emergency crews work.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.