2 dead in inmate bus collision in Gorman
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A bus carrying California fire crew inmates collided head-on Tuesday with another vehicle on Highway 138 in Gorman, sending prisoners flying from the vehicles and killing two, authorities said.
The 2:18 p.m. crash involved a state fire vehicle and another car on the road just east of the 5 Freeway, said Officer Vince Ramirez of the California Highway Patrol.
“Apparently, the fire truck rolled over and people were ejected," he said.
Ramirez said an extensive investigation team is responding.
None of the inmates escaped after the collision, said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Highway 138 is closed in both directions -- westbound at Highway 14 and eastbound at Interstate 5 and Gorman Post Road.
-- Richard Winton
Photo: KTLA News
EDITOR'S PICKS:
I never have understood why they don't have seat belts on buses. If you get thrown from a vehicle the death rate it very high.
Posted by: Tommy | November 23, 2010 at 03:54 PM
This is one our LA County Fire Department supervised firefighting crews. Inmate or free person they are some of our finest. Tragic. RIP to those perished and a prayer for a speedy recovery for the survivors.
Posted by: Norm Silver | November 23, 2010 at 04:08 PM
another avoidable tragedy. What a terrible shame.
Posted by: Bonnie | November 23, 2010 at 04:22 PM
My deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased and to those injured.
Posted by: Susan S | November 23, 2010 at 04:29 PM
pardons are in order.
Posted by: thealaskan | November 23, 2010 at 04:53 PM
"None of the inmates escape after collision" is this the best thing LA county sheriff can say after an inmate looses his life. This are low level inmates risking their lifes fighting forrest fires for a dollar a day. in camps without fences. If this inmates really wanted to escape they would've already. please have a little respect for the loss of life. Yes they are criminals but also unsung heroes.
Posted by: Lou D | November 23, 2010 at 05:59 PM
They do have seatbelts
Posted by: Evelyn Hernandez | November 23, 2010 at 06:37 PM
How sad that this happened, whether they are an inmate or not, it is still unbelievably sad somehow had to die. This is a very dangerous part of HWY 138, if it where I beleive it is, then I think someone may have crossed over to the other side without realizing they did. It is very easy to do if you are coming off of HWy 5 onto the 138, there is one particular spot that takes you to the lake, and without realziing it you cand rift over that way.
Posted by: sad | November 23, 2010 at 06:54 PM
Do we know what Fire Camp the inmates were from? This is very sad! My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
Posted by: Maria Morales | November 23, 2010 at 06:54 PM