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
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.