At least 13 people were injured following a crash between a city bus and a gravel truck in Santa Clarita Wednesday morning.
The crash was reported near Golden Valley Road and Centre Pointe Parkway at around 9:30 a.m.
Eight of the passengers were transported to the hospital and at least one person was said to be in critical condition, according to Brandon Barclay, Captain of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
According to preliminary information, the semi-truck was traveling approximately at 50 to 70 mph, was unable to make the stop, and tried to negotiate a turn at Center Point Parkway, and ultimately collided with the bus and a couple of other vehicles, Barclay said.
“If you are a truck driver and you have a whole load, to maybe afford yourself more time to negotiate the braking in a judicious manner,” Barclay said. “As of right now I understand that there is a bit of a natural gas that is being exposed. As you can see, the LA County Fire Department is over there making sure that this thing doesn’t ignite as a precaution.”
At least one of the people injured who was aboard the city bus is said to be in critical condition, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.
Center Point Parkway is closed between Reuther Avenue and Golden Valley Road, according to the city of Santa Clarita.
The incident is under investigation. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.