DPS: Bus driver killed in I-10 crash was not wearing a seat belt

QUARTZSITE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Officials said Monday the bus involved in a fatal rollover wreck on Interstate 10 was affiliated with an Illinois-based musical performance group.

Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Quentin Mehr says the bus was being used by the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, Illinois.

>>VIDEO from the scene: facebook.com/FOX10Phoenix/videos/1424795264235683

According to a statement released by DPS Monday afternoon, the tour bus was carrying 13 passengers and was heading east on I-10 when the left front tire failed, causing the driver to lose control. The bus, according to officials, then veered into the media where it traveled up an embankment, entered the I-10's westbound lanes, and came to rest on its left side.

DPS officials identified the bus' driver as Donna M. Howard, 55. According to the statement, Howard, who was from Kansas City, Missouri, was partially ejected, and suffered fatal injuries. The driver was reportedly not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Eight passengers, according to DPS, were transported from the scene for treatment of injuries. Of the eight, two were taken to a hospital in the Phoenix area, two were taken to a regional hospital in La Paz County, where the incident took place, and four were taken to a hospital in Blythe, Calif.

All injured passengers have been released, according to DPS. In addition, five passengers onboard were not injured.

The Phantom Regiment said on its website that eight of the 13 passengers were taken to hospitals, and all are expected to be released Monday. The DPS said four passengers were transported for treatment.

The statement said the bus carrying support staff but not performers was travelling between performances in California and Arizona.

I-10 westbound at milepost 10 re-opened just before Noon.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to the report.