26 Injured in Tragic Highway 330 Bus Accident Near Running Springs
Running Springs, CA – November 10, 2025 | Ayuda California News
A tragic crash on Highway 330 near Running Springs left 26 people injured, including several teenagers, after a bus carrying a church youth group caught fire and overturned Sunday night, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
The bus was transporting 36 parishioners from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Ana, returning from a three-day spiritual retreat at Camp Nawakwa in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The accident occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m., when the driver lost control on a sharp curve, and the vehicle overturned after striking a wall, witnesses reported.
“You could see he was trying to brake, but as he hit the curve, the bus flipped and started to catch fire,” said one witness.
Injuries and Emergency Response
According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, 26 passengers were treated at the scene; 20 were transported to nearby hospitals, and three suffered major injuries, including fractures and a head injury.
The remaining passengers declined further medical treatment.
Despite the severity of the crash, all occupants managed to escape the bus, some through the roof hatch, with help from youth leaders. Among them was Cyntia Ramírez, 21, a college student, who shared:
“It was a terrible accident, but we made it out. Everything happened so fast.”
Investigation Underway 🕵️♀️
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed there was no indication of alcohol or drug involvement, but investigators are examining possible mechanical or brake failures.
Officials noted that local rescue teams had conducted a bus rollover drill in February, which helped ensure a quick evacuation and emergency response.
The Diocese of Orange released a statement thanking emergency personnel:
“Our community keeps all those affected in our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful to first responders for their courage and dedication.”
Impact on the Latino Community
The group belonged to one of Southern California’s largest Latino parishes, and many of the passengers were Hispanic families and youth from Santa Ana.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of solidarity across the Catholic and Latino communities, with volunteers offering emotional support, transportation, and donations to the affected families.
In Orange County, where more than 40% of parishioners are of Latino origin, churches play a vital role in fostering community unity, making tragedies like this one especially devastating both socially and spiritually.
Legal Rights and Support for Victims
Victims and their families may be entitled to civil claims for personal injury or, if mechanical failure or maintenance negligence is proven, to lawsuits against the bus operator or manufacturer under California Civil Code §§1714 and California Civil §§3294.
These claims may cover:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability
- Emotional and psychological damages
- Liability for defective vehicle parts or lack of preventive maintenance
Ayuda California: Legal and Human Support 💙
At Ayuda California, we understand that behind every accident are families in need of justice, clarity, and real support. We offer free, confidential legal consultations in Spanish, regardless of immigration status, to help victims of transportation accidents, negligence, or mechanical failure.
📞 Contact us today.
Our legal team can help you:
- File civil compensation claims
- Investigate maintenance failures or manufacturing defects
- Negotiate with insurance companies and state agencies
Ayuda California: Justice, compassion, and representation for our community.
