Last Evening’s Tragic Accident

To: The CSU Family
From: Chancellor Timothy P. White
Re: Last Evening’s Tragic Accident

The horrific accident on Interstate 5 Thursday evening near Orland distresses the very soul of the California State University.

A charter bus filled with students, some from the Los Angeles basin, were on their way to visit Humboldt State when the bus they were on collided with a FedEx truck on Interstate 5 near Orland. Ten people were killed, including staff from Humboldt State, and more than 30 people have been injured, some critically, as of this morning.

The proximity of Chico to the accident site meant many students without serious injuries were cared for in the surrounding communities overnight. Presidents Richmond and Zingg have been personally involved. President Richmond traveled the night from Arcata to Chico, visiting injured students in hospitals along the way. The Humboldt campus has been a vital link for parents to connect with students. Humboldt’s staff worked throughout the night to support and comfort the high school students who were on two other buses that were traveling ahead of the accident, and arrived safely in Arcata.

Our campuses prepare for the unimaginable and last night it occurred. Our hearts reach out to the parents, families, friends, colleagues and teachers directly impacted. The CSU family grieves with them. No words can sufficiently express our sorrow.

We extend deep appreciation to the tremendous efforts of the leadership and staff at Humboldt State and Chico State for their responsiveness and partnership, and to the first responders who risk their lives to help others.

I ask the CSU family to hold all in their thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Timothy P. White
Chancellor