Police say fatigue may have played role in Calif bus crash that killed French tourists, driver

Report: Fatigue likely played role in Calif crash

SOLEDAD, Calif. — Investigators say fatigue may have played a role in a tour bus crash in Central California last year that killed five people.

The California Highway Patrol issued its final report on the April 28, 2009, crash on Monday.

The bus was carrying French tourists when it hit a guardrail and overturned in Soledad, about 100 miles south of San Francisco.

The driver, John Egnew, and four passengers died.

Authorities say Egnew made an unsafe turn, and fatigue may have played a part.

Sgt. Tim Neumann said more than a dozen passengers told investigators they caught Egnew dozing off and missing exits during the trip.

The bus company, Orion Pacific, declined to comment Monday.

Information from: The Salinas Californian, www.californianonline.com