Bus Overturns on California Highway 330; 20 Hospitalized in Major Incident
A charter bus carrying both teens and adults overturned Sunday night on a downhill curve along State Route 330 (Highway 330) near the community of Running Springs in the San Bernardino Mountains.
What Happened?
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the bus—returning from a three-day youth retreat—was traveling downhill toward Orange County when it lost control and struck a rock embankment at a curve on Highway 330. The impact caused the bus to overturn and come to rest on its side.
Upon arrival, first-responders from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District found the vehicle lying in a turnout, with occupants evacuating through the roof hatch. The fire department declared a “mass casualty incident” and initiated full triage operations.
William D. Shapiro Responds
“My heart goes out to every person affected by this tragic accident on Highway 330. In moments like this one, the physical injuries are just one dimension of the suffering – the emotional toll, the uncertainty and the disruption to families can be profound. At our firm we’ve seen how a single collision can change lives forever. Our commitment is to stand with survivors and families, to ensure they have a strong advocate who fights for full accountability and the resources they need to rebuild.”
— William D. Shapiro, Founder, William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.
With over four decades of experience, the law firm of William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. serves injured victims from its offices in Santa Ana and San Bernardino, making it deeply familiar with catastrophic vehicle-accident cases throughout Southern California.
Timeline of Rescue Operations
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ~ 8:50 p.m. (Sunday, Nov. 9 2025) | The crash occurs. The bus carrying 36 people (teens and adults) overturns near Mile Marker 38 between Highland, California and Running Springs, California. | The bus reportedly lost brakes (according to passengers) and then overturned on a downhill curve. |
| Shortly before 9:00 p.m. | First-responders arrive. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCo Fire) notes they found the bus on its side in a turnout, passengers climbing out via the roof hatch. | No fire or hazardous materials reported. |
| ~ 9:15-9:30 p.m. | SBCo Fire declares a mass casualty incident (MCI) and establishes triage, patient treatment area, and ambulance loading zone. | Response included 11 engine companies, 11 ambulances, and 4 chief officers. |
| 9:44 p.m. | Primary and secondary search of the bus is completed; no additional victims found. | |
| By ~ 10:30 p.m. | All 20 patients who required transport have been taken to area hospitals by ground ambulance. | Three of the transported patients had major injuries, others had minor or no injuries. |
| Overnight & following morning | State Route 330 remains closed in both directions while the scene is investigated and cleared. | |
| Following day | The lead investigation is handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in coordination with local agencies; cause of crash still under investigation. |
Casualties and Response
-
A total of 36 people were on board the bus, including teens and adults affiliated with Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Santa Ana, returning from a retreat at Camp Nawakwa in the San Bernardino Mountains.
-
According to official reports, 26 patients were treated onsite. Of those, 20 were transported to area hospitals via ground ambulance.
-
Three of the hospitalized were reported to have major or severe injuries.
-
There were no reports of fire or hazardous-material exposure.
The multi-agency response included 11 engine companies, 11 ambulances, and four fire-chief officers. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) closed Highway 330 in both directions while the scene was secured and the investigation initiated.
Location & Terrain Details
Highway 330 winds through cliff-side terrain at approximately 6,100 feet elevation (about 1,860 meters). The road’s curves and altitude factor into the challenging nature of travel in that area.
Update:
Newer reports provide additional context and clarification:
- Earlier logs indicated “more than 80 children aboard,” but the final count was 36 occupants.
- Several passengers described the bus starting to shake and swerve before tipping, including one who said they blacked out during the crash.
- Although the bus overturned after striking a rock embankment, the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the CHP.
What to Watch
Authorities are continuing to probe factors such as driver handling, speed, vehicle condition, and road/curve geometry. No definitive cause has yet been released as of this article.
Founded in 1983 by attorney William D. Shapiro, who has practiced law since 1979, William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. focuses exclusively on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. The firm represents clients across California and the nation, with its main office in the Inland Empire and an additional location in Santa Ana. For more than four decades, the firm has dedicated its practice to cases involving negligent driving, unsafe products, and hazardous public or private property conditions.