California Highway Patrol Accident Reports Three-Vehicle Crash Killing 9 People In Orland, California

California Highway Patrol accident reports 9 killed in a three-vehicle crash in Orland, California on Thursday. Because of the crash, north- and south-bound traffic on Interstate 5 Thursday had been closed off. The northbound lane of Interstate 5 was closed at 5:46 p.m., while the southbound lane was closed at 6:30 p.m. Dispatcher Curtis Pahlka of the California Highway Patrol accident reports say as authorities have received the report of the crash at around 5:41 p.m. yesterday.

California Highway Patrol accident reports dispatecher Pahlka reports that police said the crash concerned a FedEx truck, a Nissan Altima, and a charter bus which carried high school students on a visit to a Humboldt State University. The Orland crash involved the FedEx truch slamming into a charter bus, immediately killing 9 people. 35 others involved in the crash that California Highway Patrol accident reports say were hospitalized.

The bus and truck were on opposite sides of Interstate 5 when the truck crossed a grassy middle and slammed into the bus. This caused an explosion and fire near Orland, said a California Highway Patrol accident reports dispatcher to the Associated Press.

Among those who died were the drivers of the truck and bus, said California Highway Patrol accident reports dispatchers. Police details further that the other seven dead from the crash were teenage students.

California Governor Jerry Brown said emailed a statement saying, "Anne and I extend our heartfelt and deep sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died in the tragic accident near Orland this evening. As we mourn the loss of those who died, we join all Californians in expressing our gratitude for the tireless work of the Red Cross and emergency personnel who responded bravely to this terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, Humboldt State's President Rollin Richmond said on the school's website, "Our hearts go out to those who have been affected, and we are here to support them, and their families, in any way possible."

California Highway Patrol accident reports said that parents and family members of students who were on the bus can contact University police at 707-826-5555 for further information.