A tour bus caught fire on the eastbound 60 Freeway near Hacienda Heights early Friday, resulting in one fatality and forcing the closure of multiple lanes during the investigation.
Immediate Response & Core Facts
At 5:39 a.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to reports of a traffic collision with fire on the eastbound 60 Freeway west of Azusa Avenue, according to authorities. Fire officials stated the blaze originated in the engine area, with firefighters discovering cargo and propane tanks inside and underneath the vehicle.
Emergency crews found one person deceased inside the bus after extinguishing the flames. The identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. The bus, identified as a Mercedes model, experienced mechanical difficulties before the driver pulled to the shoulder, where smoke was observed emitting from the rear. All passengers and the driver evacuated safely prior to the fire spreading.
Traffic Disruptions & Ongoing Investigation
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a SigAlert for eastbound traffic from westbound State Route 134 to northbound I-5 due to the incident. As of 8 a.m., several lanes remained closed, causing heavy backups for commuters. Aerial footage from KABC showed the burnt bus on the shoulder, with luggage stacked along the freeway.
Authorities have not confirmed the origin or destination of the bus trip. The CHP noted the incident remains under investigation, with no further details released at this time. The cause of the fire is also pending official determination.
Safety Precautions & Public Advisory
The CHP warned drivers to expect delays in the area and advised using alternate routes where possible. Firefighters reported that the blaze burned out more than half of the bus, though the full extent of damage is still being assessed. No additional injuries have been reported beyond the fatality.
This is a developing story, with updates expected as more information becomes available.