13 People Dead After CA Collision Between Big Rig And SUV

EL CENTRO, CA — Thirteen people were confirmed dead following a crash between an SUV carrying 25 people and a big rig on a Highway in Imperial County Tuesday morning, officials said. Several others were injured in the crash.

At the scene, 12 people died and another succumbed to injuries after arriving at a hospital, according to California Highway Patrol Chief Omar Watson, commander of the Border Division.

The crash happened just after 6 a.m. near the city of Holtville on Highway 115, near the U.S.-Mexico border, Watson said.

"Some people were ejected onto the pavement, onto the ground, who passed away as a result of those injuries. Other people were found deceased within the vehicle, and some of the wounded were able to pull themselves out of the vehicle," Watson said.

He said specifics regarding the seating configuration of the group, and whether speed was a factor in the collision, were still under investigation.

The affected stretch of Highway 115 remained closed for "quite a few hours" while crews continued to work the scene, the chief said.

Judy Cruz, the emergency department director for El Centro Regional Medical Center, said six patients were being treated at the hospital, and another three were hospitalized at a separate area treatment center.

Four patients were also airlifted to Desert Regional, three of whom were in the intensive care unit, according to Todd Burke, the hospital's public information officer.

Watson said only the 69-year-old driver was inside the big rig. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Watson.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Watson said the SUV, a maroon Ford Expedition, entered an intersection in the path of the big rig and was struck on the left side.

The identities of the victims has not been released.

Editors note: Local hospital officials first said that 15 people died from the crash, but the California Highway Patrol later confirmed that number was lower, according to National Public Radio.