UPDATE 1/29: Humboldt Transit Authority press release:

On January 28, 2015 at approximately 4PM, a Humboldt Transit Authority bus was driving on SR-299 eastbound.  For reasons still under investigation, the bus, carrying thirteen passengers and one driver, left the roadway at approximately milepost marker 15 and struck two small trees.

Three passengers reported minor injuries; of the three, two requested medical attention.

Public safety is the number one priority of The Humboldt Transit Authority.  In addition to cooperating with the California Highway Patrol investigation, we are also conducting our own inquiry into the cause of the accident and will report our findings once the investigation is complete.

Our fleet of buses logs over 65,000 miles each and every month and our safety record far exceeds industry standards.  Our drivers and fleet maintenance staff earnestly strive to maintain this track record through comprehensive and on-going training.

Our thoughts and concerns go out to the injured passengers and look for their return to complete health.

UPDATE 9 p.m.: California Highway Patrol press release:

On January 28, 2015 at approximately 1610 hours, Branden Mace was driving a 2013 International Commercial Bus owned/operated by Humboldt Transit Authority on SR-299 eastbound, near MPM 14.67.  The bus transporting thirteeen passengers to Willow Creek.  The bus was traveling at approximately 55 MPH in the slow lane when for reasons still under investigation, the driver allowed the vehicle to run off the south roadway edge.  The bus traversed a small uphill embankment prior to colliding with two trees and coming to rest on its wheels south of SR-299.  Of the thirteen passengers, two were transported to Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata with minor to moderate injuries.  One other passenger complained of pain but declined transportation to the hospital.     One-way traffic control was conducted initially due to two small trees blocking the eastbound lanes,  however SR-299 was opened completely at approximately 4:45 PM hours after tree removal by Caltrans. 

The California Highway Patrol-Humboldt Area responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation.  Personnel from Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Arcata-Mad River Ambulance, and Caltrans responded to the scene.

Note: Photo provided by a commenter, 299er.

UPDATE 8:12 p.m.: According to Sgt. Tami McCanless of the California Highway Patrol. A 2003 International commerical bus operated by Humboldt Transit Authority and driven by Branden Mace of Eureka was eastbound on Hwy 299 with 13 passengers en route to Willow Creek. He was going 55 miles per hour in the outside or number two lane “when he allowed his bus to run off the south roadway edge.” The bus traversd a small embankment, hit some trees, and came to rest on its wheels south of the highway.

Of the 13 passengers, two were transported to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries. Another complained of pain but declined to be transported.

Trees struck by the bus fell and temporarily blocked the eastbound lane until tree removal at around 4:45 p.m.

# # #

Original post: According to scanner traffic, a bus had a solo accident on Hwy 299 just east of Lord Ellis Summit about 4:10 p.m. Trees fell as a result and the two eastbound lanes were blocked temporarily. The bus went off the road and there are four people with injuries. 

We have requested more information from the California Highway Patrol and will update when possible.