A tour bus filled with Chinese tourists going to Bryce Canyon National Park crashed and rolled over yesterday, killing four people and injuring more than 20 others.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Facebook that the crash happened at 11:36 a.m. and that three helicopters arrived on the scene.
According to People, 12 to 15 people had “critical injuries” and 10 others had minor injuries. CNN reported that after the accident, the highway was closed for a few hours in both directions and the National Transportation Safety Bureau will send a 10-person team to investigate the incident.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Nick Street told KSL the bus appears to have drifted off the right side of the road. Investigators believe the driver overcorrected and that the bus fishtailed and rolled over. Street said the bus landed on a guard rail which added to the damage.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert expressed his condolences on Twitter.
“My heart sank when I heard the news that a tour bus crashed near Bryce Canyon. I grieve with all who lost loved ones in this crash and I’m grateful for the quick work of first responders, as well as all those who are volunteering to act as translators,” he tweeted.
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. also responded to the accident on Twitter.
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