A bus filled with teenagers returning from a camp experience met with an unfortunate accident on a Southern California highway, resulting in 20 individuals being hospitalized, according to authorities on Monday.

The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on Sunday when the bus, carrying 36 people, overturned on State Route 330 near Running Springs, approximately 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported that some passengers managed to escape the overturned bus through a roof hatch.

In a scene marked by urgency and care, emergency responders treated a total of 26 people at the site. Among them, three individuals suffered major injuries. Ultimately, 20 people were transported to nearby hospitals via ground ambulances. The remaining passengers opted out of medical transport or treatment.

The bus was descending towards Orange County, bringing a group of adults and teenagers home from a camp nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains near Angelus Oaks. The journey took a tragic turn, highlighting the unpredictable nature of road travel in the region.

“A total of 26 patients, including three with major injuries, were treated,” the agency said. “Of those, 20 were transported to area hospitals, all by ground ambulances. The balance of those on board declined EMS transport and/or treatment.”

The passengers, a mix of adults and teens, were traveling downhill on the way home to Orange County after attending a camp in the San Bernardino Mountains near Angelus Oaks, the department said. 

A bus overturn ed on a California road carrying 36 people.  (San Bernardino County Fire Department)

The response included 11 fire engine companies, 11 ambulances and four chief officers to the scene, the department said. 

The first patients were en route to a hospital within 15 minutes of crews responding.  

The hatch where passengers on an overturned bus escaped. 

The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident. 

The road was closed in both directions during the investigation at the scene. There was no fire or hazardous material exposure, the fire department said.