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Bus Involved in Deadly Crash Was on Federal Watch List for Safety Issues
A Scapadas Magicas bus (Photo via Scapadas Magicas on Facebook)
More information is emerging in the aftermath of Sunday night's deadly bus crash on Highway 38 in Yucaipa that left at least eight people dead and more than 30 injured.
Though the tour company, InterBus, was based in Tijuana, Mexico, the bus itself came from the fleet of a National City, California company called Scapadas Magicas, according to the L.A. Times, who report that the company "has been cited repeatedly in recent years for problems, including brake and tire issues."
In fact, "75% of carriers in the same class have a better safety record," say federal authorities.
Scapadas Magicas' buses were on a U.S. Department of Transportation watch list that bumps the vehicles to the top of the line for "intervention and roadside inspection," due to safety concerns.
Witnesses report seeing the bus carrying tourists returning home from a day rip to Big Bear Lake careening down the southbound side of Highway 38 just north of Yucaipa, and veering dangerously. The bus driver "reported that the vehicle was experiencing mechanical problems when the accident occurred," according to investigators.
The bus collided with two other vehicles, sending it onto its side and trapping passengers inside while ejecting others.
The death toll is likely to rise as more bodies are removed from the wreckage at the scene.
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Previously
At Least 8 Dead in Horrific Tour Bus Accident Near Yucaipa
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