Full Breakdown
Fatal SUV-Bus Collision in Chatsworth
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Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
Shortly after 5 p.m. on a Tuesday, a gray 2004 Ford Expedition driven by 36-year-old Bailee Lynn Rios of Simi Valley slammed into a Metro bus at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) described the impact as a T-bone that ejected one passenger from the bus and partially ejected a second. Witnesses reported the SUV swerved into oncoming traffic, ran a red light, and was traveling at “freeway speed” before striking the bus. The collision sent both vehicles onto the curbside and damaged a nearby blue 2024 Honda CR-V that was stopped on De Soto Avenue. Emergency responders treated multiple patients on the sidewalk; the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) logged eight patients in total.
Victims and Injuries
The L.A. County medical examiner’s office identified the two deceased bus passengers as 31-year-old Gage Weida and 46-year-old Daniel Castillo. Paramedics transported six injured individuals to various hospitals; one passenger sustained severe injuries while five others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash also left debris that contributed to a separate incident later that evening: an NBC 4 news helicopter crashed nearby, killing the pilot, a reporter, and a third person on the ground.
Driver Arrest and Legal Action
LAPD confirmed that Bailee Lynn Rios was booked on suspicion of murder. Her bail was set at $4 million. Officers Reyes and Lozon were listed as points of contact for anyone with additional information, with a 24-hour hotline provided for after-hours tips.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
LAPD released a news statement outlining the crash dynamics and confirming the arrest. The Valley Traffic Division and LAFD continue to investigate the cause of the collision, including the alleged red-light violation and excessive speed. At least 60 firefighters responded to the scene, underscoring the scale of the emergency response.
Community Impact
The dual tragedies— the bus-Suv collision and the subsequent helicopter crash—have heightened safety concerns in the Chatsworth area. Local authorities are urging residents to report any further information that could aid the investigation and are reviewing traffic safety measures at the Nordhoff/De Soto intersection.