An SUV driver has been charged with murder for driving under the influence of drugs, veering into oncoming traffic, running a red light, and colliding with a city bus in Los Angeles. This crash resulted in the deaths of two passengers on the bus.
Details of the Crash and Charges
Bailee Lynn Rios, speeding and under the influence of drugs, drove her 2004 Ford Expedition into oncoming traffic on a busy street on Tuesday and collided with a vehicle before hitting the city bus.
Read more: Kosta Diamantis Flees from America to Greece Before Corruption Sentence
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a press conference that Rios, 36, is facing two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Weida, both of whom were on the bus. She is currently in custody with a bail set at $4.1 million and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
Consequences of the News Helicopter Crash
The incident turned into another tragedy with the crash of a news helicopter that was covering the accident. Both occupants of the helicopter, George Marciniw and Eliana Moreno, along with a man on the ground, Edy Gutierrez Mejia, lost their lives in the crash. The fire caused by the helicopter's crash resulted in the burning of at least four vehicles and two storage containers.
Daniel Castillo's daughter, Johaunna Castillo, said her father was returning home from his job at an auto parts warehouse and took that same bus home every day. She recalls that her father always called her after work to talk about people and his experiences on the bus. That day's call never happened.
Investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash are ongoing. Aviation safety experts consider the video as very important evidence that may provide explanations for the crash. A warning alarm can be heard in the recorded video from the helicopter's cabin, indicating a loss of altitude and potential engine failure.
National Transportation Safety Commissioner Fabian Salazar stated that the video may provide key information about the reason for the crash.
Read more: Investigation into the Death of Ukrainian Activist Pavel Sadokha in Portugal Has Begun · Deadly Tourist Bus Crash in Switzerland; 5 Dead and 40 Injured
Source: abcnews.com
