(Chatsworth, California) Investigation continues on Wednesday of a two vehicle crash involving a Metro bus and an SUV that occurred yesterday just after 5 p.m. in the 20900 block of Nordhoff Street.
According to the LA Metro, the Metro Line 166 bus was driving eastbound north of Nordhaff when a gray 2004 Expedition hit the bus. Jennifer Middleton of LAFD, confirmed that two people died on scene and six others were quickly taken to the hospital as well as another woman who was also trapped in the Metro line bus. First responders at the scene described her injuries as “crushed’ but her injuries are unknown.
The two deceased victims were identified by the LA County Medical Examiners as Gage Weida, 31 and Daniel Castillo, 46,.
Debbie, a witness from the crash, told Eyewitness that the Expedition had swerved into oncoming traffic, sped through a red light and struck the side of the Metro bus. The witness described the speed as “freeway speed”.
Reports were also made that a news helicopter that was covering the crash, crashed just before 7 p.m. killing three people, a reporter, pilot, one on ground with two others injured.
Metro Spokesperson, Jose Ubaldo confirmed that the SUV driver is still alive despite getting injured, identified as Bailee Rios, 36, confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department, She is currently booked for suspicion of murder with a bail of $4 million.
Legal Analysis on the Accident Nordhoff Street Accident
Because the witness described the speed of the SUV driver as “freeway speed” as well as videos circulating moments before the vehicle struck the metro bus, it is clear that the driver went above the legal or reasonable speed before causing a fatal tragedy. Before an arrest was made for Bailee Rios, investigators may have reviewed California Vehicle Code 22350 which prohibits driving above a reasonable speed in regards to weather, traffic, and visibility.
Another code law that investigators may have reviewed is California Vehicle Code 22348 to which it prohibits driving on a highway with over 100mph. If he violates this law, he would be guilty of infraction with a possible punishment of getting fined $500 within the first conviction with driving privileges suspended for at least 30 days. If that was his second conviction, he would be fined $750 and his license would be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Due to Rios booked with suspicion of murder, investigators may have reviewed California Penal Code 192 which discusses some of the violations in driving within an unlawful manner such as, driving illegally that can result in death and with gross negligence.
Advice to the Victim’s Families
If your loved ones were affected in the fatal crash, getting comfort from friends and family is crucial at a time like this. If you want to receive additional information about the fatal collision, contacting the Los Angeles Police Department can answer any additional questions you may have.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
