LOS ANGELES, CA – Twelve people were injured early Wednesday morning after a Metro bus collided with a parked big rig carrying lumber in South El Monte, authorities said.
The crash occurred around 6 a.m. at the intersection of Klingerman Street and Rosemead Boulevard, prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies.
Fire officials confirmed that seven of the injured, including the bus driver, required medical transport to local hospitals. The conditions of the patients were not immediately available, and authorities have not provided details about the severity of their injuries.
Emergency crews treated several others at the scene for minor injuries. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with first responders working to assess passengers and clear debris scattered from the impact.
A Metro spokesperson issued a statement expressing concern for those injured and thanking local agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the San Gabriel Police Department, the El Monte Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, for their swift response.
“Metro extends its sympathies to those injured and thanks emergency responders for assisting everyone involved,” the statement read. “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into what caused the accident.”
Authorities have not yet determined whether driver error, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the collision. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and gathering witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Traffic in the area was heavily impacted, with northbound lanes near the intersection remaining closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene.
Officials urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes until the roadway fully reopens.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
