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
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.