Alcohol, drugs suspected in bus-van collision

August 28, 1995

BLACK HAWK, Colorado (CNN) -- Charges of drunken driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular assault are pending against the driver of a van that crashed into a bus in Colorado Sunday. Two people were killed and dozens were injured in the afternoon collision. The bus was ferrying people to casinos in Black Hawk.

The Colorado State Patrol said the eastbound van crossed the highway center line into the path of the bus. The two vehicles collided and the bus skidded into a creek alongside the roadway. The patrol said an open whiskey bottle, several beer cans and drug paraphernalia were found in the van.

Local authorities said helicopters and ambulances removed the injured to five area hospitals. Forty-two people were aboard the bus, most of them gamblers or casino employees in Black Hawk and Central City, both former mining towns experiencing an upswing in tourism because of the casinos.

The accident brought several travelers into service as rescuers.

"I didn't see it happen but I was about four cars behind," said Jeff Young, who stopped to help passengers trapped in the bus. "... I've never been in a situation like that before, but it's just one of those things, you know, you gotta help out."

Alcohol, drugs suspected in bus-van collision

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