SIG ALERT: Tons of Sand on Ortega Highway after Semi Vs. Street Sweeper Accident

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — Ortega Highway (State Route 74) was closed this morning between Rancho Santa Margarita and the Riverside County line due to a collision between a sand truck and street sweeper at mile marker 16.

The crash was reported to the Orange County Fire Authority at just after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday. The driver of the street sweeper was extricated from the vehicle with injuries.

Officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter, and a SIG alert was issued at 7:15 a.m. by the California Highway Patrol following the accident.

A semi truck overturned in the westbound lanes, reportedly carrying 20,000 pounds of sand. That is currently being removed by sweepers and loaders, CHP Officer John Latosquin said.

"The road is still closed both directions, with an estimate of 1 p.m. of opening," CHP officers said. The Riverside County side of Ortega Highway remains closed at Grand, and on the Orange County side, the SR-74 is closed at Via Antonio.

"Due to the morning marine layer, the driver was transported to Mission Hospital by ground ambulance," OCFA public information officer Capt. Larry Kurtz said in interview. "At the time of transport, the street sweeper driver was awake."

Crews were sent to clean up a load of several tons of sand that spilled when the truck crashed, according to reports. CHP stated the accident is still under investigation and will be updated.

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Image from OCFA, Officer Larry Kurtz