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Bus crashes in Arizona, killing 7 Chinese tourists
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-31 14:29

Officials work the scene at tour bus accident that left seven Chinese tourists dead on US-93 near Dolan Springs, Arizona January 30, 2009. The bus packed with Chinese tourists rolled on a highway near the Hoover Dam on Friday killing seven passengers and injuring 9, an Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman said. [Agencies]

Sheila Larsen, who works at Rosie's Den, said she went outside after hearing a loud crash and screams and found people lying on the roadway, with paper and money strewn across the area.

She said the best she could do to comfort the victims was bring them blankets, towels and water. "The woman I was trying to comfort didn't speak English. I was trying to comfort her and she died," Larsen said.

Debbie Diamond, who also works at Rosie's Den, said she's seen many accidents on the highway, the main route between Phoenix and Las Vegas, but never one like that.

"I just keep praying, that's all you can do in a situation like this," she said.

The bus was still resting on its side late Friday, its front bumper torn in half and its rooftop emergency exit open. Several bodies covered in tarps or blankets also remained on the road.

According to DPS, the bus belonged to D.W. Tours of San Gabriel, Calif. A recorded message on the company's phone line said the mailbox was full and that no messages could be left. The company didn't respond to an e-mail from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Six people were taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where one died. Spokesman Rick Plummer said two remained hospitalized in critical condition: the 61-year-old male bus driver and a woman whose age was unknown. The others were a 35-year-old woman, a 48-year-old man and an 8-year-old boy, all in serious condition.

Ryan Kennedy, a spokesman for Kingman Regional Medical Center, said one victim, an adult male in critical condition, was transported to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. The remaining four -- three women and one man -- were all listed in serious condition.