Bus driver in fatal California crash arrested

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Authorities arrested a bus driver on suspicion of drunk driving on Monday in the aftermath of a crash that killed eight passengers and injuring 35 others.

Quintin Joey Watts, 52, was arrested while receiving medical treatment for critical injuries at a hospital in Northern California, said Bob Kays, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesman.

In the accident which took place Sunday evening in a country road near Sacramento, Northern California, the bus, which had an invalid license plate, drifted off a rural two-lane road before the driver "overcorrected" and swerved back, Kays said.

The bus tumbled into a ditch, ejecting some passengers as it rolled and crushing others, he said.

Kays said at least 13 victims including two of those who died remain unidentified. Several remain in critical condition.

Kays said an initial review by CHP investigators indicated that Watts did not have the proper license or certification to drive a commercial bus, and that the vehicle itself did not appear to be properly registered.

"We believe he was driving under the influence of something. That's why we placed him under arrest," Kays said.