Massive Head-On-Crash Injures 8, Including Child, In Coachella Valley

MECCA, CA — As many as eight people, including one child, suffered minor to major injuries in a head-on collision on Wednesday in Mecca, with several airlifted to a nearby trauma center, officials say.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., 911 callers reported the crash near Avenue 66 and Buchanan Street, according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department. Details of the crash were still unfolding one day later.

"The first arriving unit reported major damage and requested additional equipment," a statement from the department said. "A total of eight patients are being treated and transported by both air and ground ambulances to area hospitals for further treatment and evaluation."

Capt. John Clingingsmith told Patch that one person was immediately airlifted in critical condition. Among the injured, two more patients were considered critical, three others were considered intermediate and transported by ground ambulance, and two were delayed but also ultimately taken to a nearby hospital by ground.

There was a full road closure of Avenue 66 for two hours during the follow-up California Highway Patrol investigation. The roadway reopened to traffic after 5 p.m.

The cause of the head-on crash and the vehicles involved were not immediately released. KESQ reported that one of the victims was a child, who was among those listed in critical condition.