2 dead after bus overturns on California highway

SOUTH SAN JOSE (KRON) – Two people were killed and 18 injured when a Greyhound bus overturned on U.S. Highway 101 in South San Jose Tuesday morning, according to fire officials.

The accident happened around 6:40 a.m. on northbound Hwy 101 at the northbound state Highway 85 connector, authorities said.

The bus flipped on its side while traveling north on Hwy 101. The bus was blocking the left lanes of northbound Hwy 101 and the HOV lanes of northbound and southbound Hwy 101. Traffic was backed up on Hwy 101 as only one or two lanes of northbound traffic were being allowed past the bus.

California Highway Patrol said it will take about six to eight hours to clear the scene. Officials advised drivers to avoid the area.

Emergency crews were at the scene of the accident. The driver of the bus was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.

Two people died from being thrown from the bus, a CHP official said.

Five people suffered serious injuries that required immediate care. They were taken to trauma center at a nearby hospital. Thirteen others suffered minor injuries and were also transported to a local hospital.

The Greyhound bus was traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with stops scheduled in San Jose and Oakland. A passenger said the bus was half full with 20 passengers inside.

The cause of the accident is unknown at this time as CHP is actively investigating the incident.