Driver Arrested on Suspicion of Murder Following Deadly Los Angeles Bus Accident
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 16, 2026) – Two people have tragically died and six were injured in a Los Angeles bus accident near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Ave.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident occurred around 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 15. The driver of a 2004 Ford Expedition SUV was heading through the intersection when she ran into the side of the Metro bus.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims. Police believe that the SUV driver went through a red light before hitting the side of a bus.
That driver is also suspected of operating her vehicle under the influence. Tragically, two people in the bus were killed in the collision.
The victims were identified as Daniel Castillo and Gage Weid. Police are holding the driver of the SUV on a $4 million bond after she was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Liability for Los Angeles Bus Accidents
Every driver in California has a legal obligation to use reasonable care to avoid collisions with other vehicles. This necessitates that they maintain a safe speed at all times and abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances before driving. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21453, “A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b).” Courts will take into consideration numerous factors when evaluating liability for any collision.
- Surveillance Footage: They will review surveillance footage to help determine what driver may have had the right of way.
- Speed: They will take into consideration the speed of all drivers involved.
- Alcohol: They will also determine whether or not a driver may have been operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or some other substance.
- Weather Conditions: They will review weather and visibility conditions to help determine if they may have played a role in the crash.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any vehicle, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Drivers who choose to operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol could face criminal charges in addition to being held civilly liable for the crash. Liability for any collision could extend to several different parties. This is particularly true if a Metro bus or other common carrier is involved in a crash. Common carriers in California are held to a heightened standard in terms of safety and must exercise a great deal of care to avoid harm to their passengers.
Preserving Evidence After Bus Collisions
Thousands of people are seriously injured or killed every year in preventable bus collisions across California and the United States. According to The Journalist’s Resource, “about 63,000 buses [of all kinds] are involved in an accident each year; about 14,000 result in an injured person, and 325 result in a fatal injury. About 50 passengers (including the driver) are killed, on average, in a given year.” It is important that evidence is properly preserved and protected after any bus collision.
- All of the medical records related to the collision should be collected.
- The police report created after the crash should be sought and carefully reviewed. These reports are normally reliable, but they can also contain inaccuracies.
- Any person that witnessed the collision should be interviewed as early as possible.
- Surveillance footage that may have been captured by the bus involved should be documented before it is lost or recorded over.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any bus accident in Los Angeles. Victims are often left with catastrophic injuries that may impair their ability to work or even perform ordinary tasks. To make matters worse, negligent drivers and their insurance providers are not likely to accept responsibility for any collision that causes serious injury or death. This is why it’s so vital that victims carefully consider their legal options with a team experienced in accident claims.
Investigating Los Angeles Bus Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the families of Daniel Castillo and Gage Weid. This was a highly preventable tragedy that should’ve never occurred. It is our sincere hope that anyone who has more information will reach out to the LAPD. There needs to be accountability across the board for the sake of all who’ve lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles bus accident? Our team of Los Angeles bus accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping people understand their rights and holding negligent drivers fully accountable for their misconduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique facts of any crash, we may be able to assist you. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
