LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. - A dust storm in the Southern California desert has caused a massive highway pileup that left about 25 people with minor injuries.
The California Highway Patrol says wind-whipped dust blinded drivers on Highway 247 around 3:30 p.m. Monday in Lucerne Valley.
The CHP says at least 15 vehicles, including two big-rig trucks, were involved in the Mojave Desert crash.
The accident has closed about 15 miles of the highway, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
LUCERNE VALLEY(update): #SBCoFD reports blowing dust in the area. Updated patient count 20-25 minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/STrL6dA3HH
— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) March 29, 2016
SBCO: SR-247 NB/SB, Rabbit Springs Road, MM 46.1, all lanes blocked due to multiple vehicle collision, limited visibility, unk time to clear
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) March 28, 2016
LUCERNE VALLEY: #SBCoFD on scene TRAFFIC COLLISION. Multiple patients. MCI Declared. Hwy 18 x Rabbit Springs Rd.^ja
— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) March 28, 2016
LUCERNE VALLEY(update): #SBCoFD reports patients still being assessed & triaged. Approx. 30 injuries. Numerous ambulances requested.
— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) March 29, 2016
