Bus Overturns on Winding Mountain Road In Running Springs, 20 Injured

Running Springs, California – A bus transporting teens and young adults back from a church camp overturned late Sunday night on a winding mountain road near Running Springs, about 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles, leaving 20 passengers hospitalized. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

The bus, carrying 36 people, was returning from a three-day youth retreat at Camp Nawakwa in the San Bernardino Mountains when it lost control on a steep curve. Eyewitnesses described the vehicle shaking and swaying before tipping onto its side.

Cyntia Ramirez, 21, a community college student aboard the bus, recalled the terrifying moments. “The bus started rocking side to side, and then it just tipped over,” she said. Ramirez was pulled to safety by a youth leader through a hatch on the roof.

California Highway Patrol responded to the incident around 8:50 p.m. According to CHP statements, the bus collided with a rock embankment on the right shoulder of the road “for unknown reasons,” causing it to overturn.

San Bernardino County Fire Department reported that 26 passengers received medical attention at the scene, including three with serious injuries. Ground ambulances transported 20 of them to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, there was no fire or hazardous material exposure.

The passengers were part of a larger group of around 125 people, including teens, staff, and volunteers from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Ana. They were traveling home in several vehicles when the bus accident occurred.

Youth leader Prisilla Mendoza, 20, described waking up to screams just before the crash and blacking out after the bus overturned. Father José Félix Troncoso, who led the retreat, confirmed that several patients remained hospitalized with fractured fingers and at least one head injury.

The scenic mountain route, which winds through forested cliffs at elevations of about 6,100 feet, was temporarily closed in both directions while authorities investigated. Church officials expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action in evacuating passengers and providing medical care.

“This was a freak accident,” Ramirez said, reflecting on the ordeal. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the bus losing control on the winding highway.