(KGTV) – One person was taken to the hospital Thursday after a crash involving two school buses and a U-Haul van on state Route 76 in the Pauma Valley area, just north of Escondido.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just after 12 p.m. on the westbound side of SR-76 near Valley Center Road.
According to authorities, the church group was traveling to Palomar when the crash occurred. Authorities say a bus in the back of the group hit the U-Haul while traveling through a roundabout, forcing the U-Haul to slam into the school bus in the front.
The driver was taken to the hospital.
The CHP confirmed that there were four counselors and 31 students in one of the buses.
Cal Fire officials said eight people suffered injuries that were considered minor to moderate. 12 minors were "evaluated and cleared" for heat-related issues at the scene, Cal Fire added.
58 children were in town for camp from Higher Vision Church out of the Los Angeles area.
Due to the crash and subsequent emergency response, SR-76 at Valley Center Road was shut down in both directions shortly after 1 p.m. and reopened later in the afternoon.
Students being treated after crash between 2 school buses and a uhaul on the 76 near Valley Center Road @10News pic.twitter.com/ky03Z1ef1J
— Jennifer Delacruz (@10NewsJen) August 1, 2019
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
