13 killed in bus, tractor-trailer collision in California

A collision between a bus and a tractor-trailer that occurred along Interstate 10 in Palm Desert, California last Sunday, October 23 resulted in the death of 13 people and injured 31 others.

According to California Highway Patrol records, the tour bus involved in the accident, called USA Holiday, was at one point found unsatisfactory in different aspects, though it had not received a negative rating since 2010. At that point, an unnamed company driver got an “unsatisfactory” rating overall due to “controlled substance and alcohol testing results.”

Also, CHP motor carrier safety program manager Cullen Sisskind told The Associated Press that the driver involved in the accident did not have a failing overall inspection record. Sisskind noted “This is not out of the norm. Commercial motor vehicle operation and the requirements that go along with that are complex and extensive.” USA Holiday received unsatisfactory ratings for maintenance, equipment, and issues involving a driver from 2005 through 2008.

CHP officers identified the 13th fatality last Tuesday, October 25.