4 Injured In Temecula School Bus Crash, DUI Suspected: CHP

TEMECULA, CA — One woman was arrested and four people were taken to the hospital by ambulance in a chain reaction school bus crash on Butterfield Stage Road Friday afternoon, California Highway Patrol reported. Butterfield Stage Road was closed until after 9:15 p.m. during the investigation, according to CHP officer Mike Lassig.

Mariah Reese—a 28-year-old San Jacinto resident driving a Toyota Corolla that collided with the school bus—was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. She was being held at the Southwest Detention Center, and bail was set at $50,000, jail records show. Reese was scheduled to answer charges of felony DUI causing bodily injury and DUI over .08 with injury at her court date, slated for Monday at 8 a.m.

After the collision, two students were evaluated by medics at the scene. Both were taken to Temecula Valley Hospital to be evaluated. Another driver who sustained minor to moderate injuries in the crash was taken to Temecula Valley Hospital for treatment. The school bus driver was taken by ambulance to Inland Valley Hospital after sustaining moderate injuries, according to Lassig's report.

Shortly before 3:30 p.m. Friday, the 44 passenger school bus, carrying children from Crowne Hill Elementary School—all between 7 to 10 years old— was heading north on Butterfield Stage Road at Pauba Road when it was was struck by a speeding Corolla.

"The Corolla driver attempted to pass the school bus on the right when its right tires struck the curb," Lassig said. "That caused the Corolla to ricochet off the curb and collide into the right side of the school bus."

The force of the collision caused the school bus driver to lose control of the school bus,causing the bus to cross into the opposing southbound traffic lane, according to Lassig.

At that same time, a Toyota Highlander was traveling south on Butterfield Stage Road just north of Pauba Road, in the # 1 lane. "The driver saw the school bus careening toward her and attempted, but was unable, to avoid the school bus," Lassig said. "The bus collided with the Highlander's left side, causing major damage."

All vehicles came to rest, and numerous witnesses called 911 to report the incident. California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire , Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and AMR all arrived within minutes of the crash.

"CHP investigators determined that the driver of the Toyota Corolla had been driving under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for felony DUI," Officer Lassig said. "The CHP wants to remind the motoring public to always designate a driver. Driving under the influence is completely avoidable. If you drink, don’t drive."

Principal Dustin Hackney of Crowne Hill Elementary School shared a letter to parents, describingthe incident.

"We are relieved to report that there were no serious student injuries reported, but some students were transported out of precaution. The bus driver was transported and is currently being evaluated. As a precautionary measure, all individuals on board were evaluated by Emergency professionals, and parents/guardians were promptly notified," Hackney wrote.

"As we continue to prioritize safety, we would like to remind our families to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws when in the vicinity of school buses. Please take this opportunity to discuss bus safety with your children, emphasizing the importance of remaining seated, following bus rules, and wearing seat belts when available.

"Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident, and we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff."

The California Highway Patrol, Temecula Area, is conducting this traffic collision investigation.