Bus Accident Delays Start of Vista Murrieta, Downey Freshman Football Game

A bus carrying the Downey High School freshman team was en route Thursday to Vista Murrieta High School when it was involved in a minor crash on the 91 freeway, officials from both districts have confirmed.

Patch inquired about the accident due to an email query it received, stating that Vista Murrieta JV players may have been involved in a bus crash Thursday.

Murrieta Valley Unified School District Spokeswoman Karen Parris said that was not the case.

"Per Ray Moore at Vista the team involved in the bus accident was the Downey freshmen team," Parris wrote in an emailed response to Patch. "Their bus was sideswiped on the 91 fwy coming to Vista. It was a minor accident, no injuries, but because it involved a school bus and was a hit and run accident, the team was delayed getting to VMHS so the game was also delayed."

Downey Unified School District Superintendent John Garcia confirmed that there were no injuries.

Garcia said the district is investigating the crash that happened near Gypsum Canyon Road in Anaheim.

"All the players were OK, it was a minor accident," Garcia said. "They were delayed a bit getting out to Vista Murrieta, but all the players and coaches were OK so we are happy about that."

As Patch spoke with Garcia, the superintendent said the Downey High varsity team was gearing for its trip to take on Vista Murrieta tonight. He planned to attend the game as well.

"We are ready to brave the 91."