At least four fatalities are confirmed in the #SR12BusCrash. Multiple critical injuries. UHP PIO is enroute from Salt Lake and will be on scene as soon as possible.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) September 20, 2019
Authorities said just after noon local time that troopers were responding to reports of a tour bus crash on Utah State Route 12. Multiple air ambulances and rescue crews were called to the scene, officials said.
According to state troopers, as many as 15 people appear to have suffered "very critical injuries" in the crash. The victims included Chinese-speaking tourists, officials said.
It was not immediately clear exactly how many people were injured, though Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Chris Bishop told KSL-TV the number was significant.
Photos of the crash obtained by KUTV showed debris strewn across the roadway and the heavily damaged tour bus.
New pictures of the bus crash near Bryce Canyon. 4 dead, dozens injured. @KUTV2News has a crew on the way. pic.twitter.com/JhkFCe9BxK
— Kylene Glover (@KyleneAGlover) September 20, 2019
Troopers said SR-12 was closed in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Authorities asked drivers to avoid the area.
SR-12 is currently closed in both directions, approximately 3.5 miles west of the park. Please avoid this area to allow emergency crews to respond to this incident. https://t.co/v1RkAu6qpW
— Bryce Canyon NP (@BryceCanyonNPS) September 20, 2019
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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