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.
Emergency crews in Bethesda, Montgomery County, responded to a serious trench collapse Tuesday at a work site in the 8100 block of Kentbury Drive, where two workers became trapped in a deep excavation.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a 10 to 12-foot-deep trench that collapsed while the workers were inside.
One victim was reported to be buried up to the waist, while the second victim was buried up to the head, creating an urgent and dangerous situation for responders.
Specialized rescue teams from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene and initiated a technical trench rescue operation.
These types of incidents require careful stabilization of the surrounding soil and trench walls to prevent additional collapse while rescuers work to safely reach and extract the trapped individuals.
Emergency personnel secured the area and began implementing protective measures, including shoring the trench to stabilize the excavation site before attempting to free the victims.
The condition of the trapped workers has not yet been released.
Rescue operations were ongoing as crews worked methodically to remove soil and safely extricate the victims.
Officials are expected to provide further updates as the rescue effort continues and investigators determine what led to the collapse.