One dead after tour bus catches fire on Los Angeles-area highway

A tour bus burst into flames on the 60 Freeway east of Los Angeles Friday morning, killing one person, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department got a call about a traffic collision with fire at around 5:39 a.m. on the eastbound 60, just west of Azusa Avenue. Firefighters arrived about eight minutes later.

Officials believe the fire started in the bus’s engine area. Crews found a large amount of cargo inside and underneath the vehicle, along with several propane tanks. While searching near where the fire is thought to have begun, firefighters discovered one person dead.

Another person was taken to a hospital shortly after 6:27 a.m. for smoke inhalation. Their condition was not immediately known.

Aerial video showed the heavily charred bus, with extensive fire damage throughout. Several people who apparently escaped were seen nearby, along with luggage and other belongings.

The bus appeared to be operated by Viajes Azteca, a tour and transportation company, but authorities have not confirmed the operator. The cause of the apparent engine fire remains unclear, and no information about the person killed has been released.