20 Hospitalized After Church Camp Bus Overturns on Highway

BREAKING: A bus carrying 36 passengers flipped over on a mountain highway in Fredalba, California, on the night of November 10, 2025, resulting in 20 individuals hospitalized. The incident occurred around 8:51 p.m. as the bus was returning from a youth retreat organized by Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Ana.

Emergency responders from the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCFD) rushed to the scene on State Route 330. Upon arrival, they found the bus on its side, with passengers evacuating through the roof hatch. Firefighters quickly established triage protocols and a treatment area to manage the situation, treating a total of 26 patients.

Among those injured, three individuals sustained major injuries. While 20 passengers were transported to nearby hospitals by ground ambulances, six opted out of medical transport. All patients were en route to emergency rooms by 10:30 p.m.

Witness accounts reveal the chaotic moments leading up to the crash. Cyntia Ramirez, 21, described how the bus began to shake violently as it approached a curve. “We were rocking from side to side and the bus fell over,” she recounted. Tragically, her sister suffered a fractured arm.

The response involved a significant deployment of resources, including 11 engine companies, 11 ambulances, and four chief officers. Fortunately, no hazardous materials were involved, and firefighters did not need to perform extrication operations.

Authorities have closed the highway in both directions as the California Highway Patrol investigates the cause of the rollover. The bus was returning from a three-day retreat at Camp Nawakwa near Angelus Oaks, with participants primarily consisting of teens and young adults.

This incident marks a critical moment for the SBCFD, who had recently participated in a drill involving an overturned school bus, providing them vital experience for this emergency response. The community is rallying around the victims, and support efforts are already underway.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.