Chartered Bus transporting SMC Athletes Involved in Multi-Vehicle Accident on the 405 Southbound Freeway, No Serious Injuries Reported

Santa Monica, CA—At approximately 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, a chartered bus operated by Tourcoach Charters & Tours was involved in a multi-vehicle accident on the 405 southbound freeway near the Howard Hughes Parkway off-ramp, while transporting members of the Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs football team. The bus was one of two being used to take the college’s student-athletes to a scheduled game in Compton, both operated by Tourcoach. 

California Highway Patrol reported no serious injuries and confirmed that no emergency medical services were required at the scene. 

Santa Monica College has safely transported all student-athletes and personnel back to campus. The SMC Center for Wellness & Wellbeing will be providing priority counseling services and specifically-tailored workshops to those affected. The college also makes a 24/7 emotional support hotline available to students via 1-800-691-6003; students may also email cww@smc.edu to set up an appointment for confidential counseling at any time.

The college provides confidential counseling to employees via the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) Program, accessible via 1-800-882-1341.

For media inquiries, please email SMC Director of Public Information Grace Smith: Smith_Grace@smc.edu. Student-athletes who require further assistance may email Athletics Director Reggie Ellis at Ellis_Reggie@smc.edu.

Due to the accident, the football game will be rescheduled. Updated details will be made available on the official SMC Athletics website.

We are tremendously grateful that our students, personnel, and others involved were not seriously injured and are thankful for the swift assistance of emergency responders.

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