Fresno State is posting its U.S. and California flags at half-staff April 15-22 in memory of the victims of the April 10 accident involving a tour bus that was en route to Humboldt State University on Interstate 5 near Orland. Ten people were killed and more than 30 people injured, including staff from the CSU sister campus, when the bus was struck head on by a Fed Ex truck. Dr. Timothy P. White, CSU chancellor, issued a system-wide message Friday (see below) and Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro ordered the flags lowered. See chancellor media statement.

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April 11, 2014

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

The horrific accident on Interstate 5 Thursday, April 10 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