Baker, CA (April 5, 2024) Commuters along Interstate 15 in Baker were directed to pass along the right shoulder following a tragic accident on Friday afternoon. A collision between a tour bus and a pickup truck not only caused traffic disruptions, but also claimed the life of one person and left another person with life-threatening injuries. It happened just after 1:00 p.m. in the northbound lanes of the Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Drivers headed along Interstate 15 in Baker on Friday afternoon, just as they had done many times before. Among the traveling vehicles was a tour bus and a white Dodge Ram, both heading north on the freeway. At approximately 1:05 p.m. the Dodge Ram slammed into the back of the tour bus for unknown reasons.
The California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene and found the Dodge with major front-end damage. Officers hurried to the pickup and found one person who was unresponsive. They immediately began life-saving measures on the victim, but sadly, their efforts weren’t enough. The victim had succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by officers, according to Shane Hernandez, Public Information Officer for the CHP-Barstow Area.
A second person inside the Dodge was responsive but had sustained life-threatening injuries, according to reports. Emergency medical personnel at the scene called for a helicopter to come and transport the victim to a local hospital. However, due to weather conditions, the helicopter couldn’t make the flight. Officers called for a ground ambulance, instead. Paramedics rushed the victim to a hospital in Las Vegas to receive emergency treatment.
The tour bus sustained major rear-end damage, but no one aboard it sustained significant injuries in this collision. Debris from the accident was strewn about the interstate in all directions, forcing cars onto the shoulder to avoid hitting it. Officers eventually blocked the lanes and directed vehicles onto the shoulder to get around the accident. Traffic was delayed as crews cleaned up the scene and investigators gathered evidence to determine what caused this fatal accident. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol if they have any information regarding this collision.
Our team at Accident News Now extends our deepest condolences to the family of the person who was killed in this accident. We also want to send well wishes to the person who was injured, and wish them a full recovery following this traumatic experience. If you or someone you know has been affected by this accident, our team of legal professionals is here to assist you during this time, or to simply answer any questions you might have.
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