San Bernardino County, CA — A serious two-vehicle crash along the I-15 Freeway north of Baker left nine people hospitalized on Sunday morning, according to officials.
The collision occurred in the southbound lanes of the interstate, though authorities have not yet released details on how the crash happened. Photos shared by San Bernardino County Fire show two severely damaged vehicles off the side of the freeway in nearby brush.
One black sedan appeared to have extensive front-end damage, while the other vehicle, believed to be a silver or gray Prius, showed significant front and roof damage, along with a crushed windshield. The backs of the vehicles were not visible in the photos.
Emergency responders determined that all nine adults involved required medical attention. Four of the injured were airlifted to regional hospitals by medical helicopters, while the remaining five were transported by ground ambulances.
“County Fire responded to a two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 this morning, commanding a scene that ultimately led to nine patients transported to regional hospitals, including four by medical helicopter,” the department said.
In total, four ambulances and three medical helicopters initially responded to the scene, with a fourth helicopter later dispatched to meet an ambulance at a local hospital to continue patient transport.
Officials confirmed that no fire or vehicle extrication was necessary at the scene. The freeway was temporarily shut down to allow helicopters to land safely but has since been reopened to traffic.
The identities and conditions of those involved have not been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
