FALLBROOK - Three people died and 18 others were injured on Saturday when a charter bus rolled over several times on southbound Interstate 15 south of state Route 76 in Pala Mesa, the North County Fire Protection District said.

The accident happened at about 10:30 a.m. and crews from the CHP, Camp Pendleton, CalFire, Pala Mesa, Vista and Oceanside arrived on the scene to aid in helping the injured victims who were ejected in the crash.

CHP says the bus was southbound from Los Angeles on its way to San Ysidro in the number three lane when it flipped multiple times ejecting some passengers.

Rescue crews found the bus on its roof and in danger of sliding down an embankment. Crews had to stabilize the bus before they could rescue anybody trapped inside.
Fire engine rescue crews were able to get inside the bus, where they found one person who had died and one injured victim.

Eighteen injured victims in various conditions were transported to several hospitals around the county. Five were taken to Inland Valley Hospital, 5 were taken to Palomar Hospital and 8 were taken to Temecula Valley Hospital. The bus had no seat belts.

The CHP said the driver of the bus had minor injuries and was taken in for questioning.

Traffic on I-15 was halted and there was gridlock in the area, KFMB TV reported.

Story Date: February 25, 2020