A CHP investigation was underway after a teen was critically injured when he struck a freeway overpass while riding on an open roof double-decker bus. Beverly White reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2014.
Note: An updated version of this story is here: Teen Dies After Hitting Overpass While on Starline Bus
A 16-year-old boy from Manhattan Beach was in critical condition after he struck a freeway overpass when he stood up on an open roof double-decker bus traveling 45 mph, police said.
The double-decker charter bus with Starline Tours was traveling south before 8 p.m. Thursday on the San Diego (405) Freeway near the Arbor Vitae Street overpass when the incident happened, said CHP Officer Edgar Figueroa.
The private bus had 45 passengers, most of whom were under 18 years old and were with adult chaperons.
A witness told NBC4 that the teen may have been dancing on a seat cushion with his back to the freeway signs when his head and hands slammed into the sign. He then collapsed on the floor, the witness said.
Approximately two dozen teens were present and dancing on the upper deck at the time of the incident. All adult chaperones were inside the bus at the time.
The teen was at a hospital listed in critical condition.
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Officials with Star Line declined to comment.
Beverly White and Samia Khan contributed to this report.
