Dozens hurt in casino bus accident on L.A. freeway

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At least 50 people were injured Thursday when a chartered casino bus overturned after apparently swerving to avoid a collision on Interstate 210 in Duarte in Los Angeles County.

The accident occurred about 10 a.m. PT on eastbound 210 in Irwindale, just past the interchange with the 605 Freeway. The crash left the bus -- with the front windows knocked out -- resting on its side down an embankment beside train tracks.

None of the injured were in critical condition, KTLA-TV said, citing the Los Angeles County Fire Department. KTLA reported 50 were injured; the Los Angeles Timessaid 55. Most suffered cuts and bruises.

The Da Zhen Travel Agency bus was headed to the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in San Bernardino, said the charter company, based in in Monterey Park, Calif.

According to conversations on the California Highway Patrol radio, officers were seeking Chinese translators at the scene and at hospitals to help talk to passengers.

The Associated Press noted that the route is frequented by "gamblers' special" buses carrying tourists from the San Gabriel Valley to desert casinos and Las Vegas.

KTLA crash 03

Rescue workers inspect the scene Aug. 22 after a charter tour bus overturned on Interstate 210 in Duarte, Calif.(Photo: KTLA)

All lanes of 210 were shut down to allow emergency helicopters to land, creating a massive traffic jam winding back for several miles. The highway patrol opened the westbound lanes after about an hour.

Witnesses said the bus was moving toward the carpool lane when the driver swerved and braked hard to avoid another vehicle, KABC-TV reported. A truck driver traveling behind the bus told the Times it was traveling about 70 mph before the accident.

Early reports said the bus had collided with a big rig.

Contributing: Associated Press

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