The cause of the crash is not yet clear, but California Highway Patrol spokesman Mario Lopez was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the bus driver reported brake problems as he descended a road leading from the Big Bear ski resort area.

BBC: California bus crash kills eight and injures dozens

The ex-Navy reservist died in a gunfight at a mountain cabin near the Big Bear Lake ski resort, after a massive manhunt across southern California.

BBC: US women shot by LAPD in Dorner manhunt get $4m payout

Dorner had holed up in a flat in Big Bear Lake, a ski resort 80 miles (130km) east of Los Angeles, for six days after he killed a couple and a policeman.

BBC: US fugitive Christopher Dorner died from single gunshot

McGowan, who works for the Snow Summit ski resort in Big Bear Lake, called authorities Feb. 7 after he spotted a burning truck on the side of a rarely used, unpaved fire route.

NPR: LAPD: 3 Parties To Split $1 Million Dorner Reward

The vehicle found Thursday in the ski resort town of Big Bear Lake was so charred that investigators couldn't be more specific about the nature of its contents, Sgt.

WSJ: L.A. Authorities Announce $1 Million Reward for Ex-Officer Christopher Dorner