High School Junior Killed In Horrific Accident By Overpass Aboard Double-Decker Tour Bus

A 16-year-old boy died in a tragic accident on a San Diego highway when he stood up on the top deck of a double-decker tour bus and was struck by an overpass.

The victim, Mason Zisette from Manhattan Beach, was aboard the open air bus with 40 other teens on Thursday night when the accident happened. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but died two days later from his injuries.

According to the adults who were on the lower deck of the bus at the time of the incident, the bus was traveling at around 45 miles per hour when Zisette hit the overpass.

Apparently the victim stood up to dance, and was not facing forward, so did not see the overpass 15-feet above the roadway. He was struck in the head and hands, knocking him immediately unconscious.

Soon after the accident, the bus pulled over and 911 was contacted. According to reports, paramedics arrived on the scene within minutes.

Of the 45 people on the bus at the time, the majority of them were under the age of 18.

Gage Stroman, one of the passengers, spoke to reporters and disputed reports that Zisette was knocked off the bus and onto the highway.

“That makes it sound like he was knocked off the bus onto the 405. That’s not what happened. We took him downstairs on the bus and that’s where he stayed until help arrived,” he said.

Stroman, who was sitting near to Zisette when he was struck, said the group were celebrating a birthday of one of their friends. He said he didn’t see exactly what happened but said, “I heard a scream and looked up and he was down. We all ran over to him.”

A friend of Zisette took to Twitter to express his sorrow at the tragic loss of his friend.

“It wasn’t fair, it hurts to hear this happened. I’m glad I got to meet & hang out with you Mason,” tweeted Daniel Esparza.

Another friend, Jess Miller, wrote: “I love you Mae, rest in peace. I know Mason is making my mom laugh up there.”

Undoubtedly, this was an accident that should ever have happened, but being clever after the event won’t bring Mason Zisette back.