Updated September 21st, 2019 at 19:34 IST
Utah Bus Crash: 4 Dead, Dozens Injured; Death toll expected to rise
A tour bus carrying around 31 people in Utah, crashed on a highway, killing four people and injuring dozens more. The four tourists who died were from China
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A tour bus carrying around 31 people in Utah, crashed on a highway, killing 4 people and injuring dozens more. The 4 dead were tourists from China. Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Nick Street said the bus rolled onto a guard rail, crushing its roof and ramming the rail's vertical post into the bus. The incident took place near a highway rest stop just a few miles away from Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park, a landscape of narrow road consisting of red-rock spires.
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Utah bus crashes; Authorities investigate the accident
Sgt Street confirmed that all the people on board the bus were hurt, however, five passengers were in critical condition as of Friday night, and said that the death toll could rise. Right after the crash, around 12-15 people were considered critical but the condition of several injured has improved since then. Sgt Street also said that not everyone on board was wearing seatbelts, which is common in tour buses. The authorities investigating the crash, have stated that the driver swerved the bus on the way to the park, but when he yanked the steering wheel to put the bus back onto the road, the vehicle lost momentum and rolled over. The authorities have also stated that the driver was not intoxicated but they are still investigating his condition and also examining the bus for any possible mechanical issues. The company listed on the bus was America Shengjia Inc. and Utah business records indicate it is based in Monterey Park, California.
We are saddened to hear about the accident in Utah involving a bus carrying Chinese tourists. We are thankful to authorities in Utah for their assistance. The Embassy has initiated its emergency protocols, sent personnel to the area, and will assist the victims as needed. https://t.co/ad4oXrrHPd
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS)
Chinese Embassy tweets about the crash
People injured were immediately taken to Cedar City and St. George hospitals. 17 patients, including three in critical condition and 11 in serious condition, were admitted to the Intermountain Garfield Memorial Hospital. Responding to the death of 4 Chinese citizens, the Chinese Embassy tweeted saying that it was saddened to learn of the crash and that it was sending staff to help the victims.
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Published September 21st, 2019 at 18:51 IST