Photo showing all the people on the bus. 28 of them passed away in the crash.
Fifty years after the deadliest school bus crash in U.S. history, survivors, first responders, family members and community leaders gathered Thursday in Martinez to remember the lives lost in the 1976 Yuba City bus disaster. The tragedy occurred on May 21, 1976, when a charter bus carrying the Yuba City High School a cappella choir to a performance in Orinda lost braking power while exiting Interstate 680 at Marina Vista Avenue. The bus struck a guardrail and plunged off the elevated off-ramp, killing 27 students and one adult adviser, while injuring 24 others.
During Thursday’s 50th anniversary remembrance ceremony at the Martinez Waterfront Memorial Site, speakers honored the victims, survivors and the emergency crews who responded to the devastating crash. The ceremony included tributes to the surviving students, first responders, medical personnel and community members whose actions helped save lives that day. In a statement, the City of Martinez thanked everyone who attended the emotional ceremony, saying the presence of survivors, families and supporters made the day “deeply meaningful.” City officials also expressed gratitude to organizers, volunteers and donors who helped make the remembrance possible. The crash led to major changes in school bus safety regulations nationwide, including improvements in driver training, vehicle inspections and roadway design. The original Marina Vista off-ramp where the crash occurred was later redesigned and replaced.
photos: courtesy of the City of Martinez
I remember this horrific tragedy very well. So sad. A very nice remembrance.
I remember coming home from school and my mom was crying in the kitchen when she heard what had happened.