Agua Dulce, CA -
(CNS) - Seventeen people were injured today, two critically, in multi-vehicle crash involving a big rig on the southbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway near Agua Dulce.
The crash was reported about 9:40 a.m. north of Escondido Canyon Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. All lanes of the southbound freeway were closed -- as were two
northbound lanes -- while an investigation was conducted, the CHP reported. The closure caused a miles-long backup.
The big rig was apparently hauling some type of sand or dirt. As many as 19 vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction collision, at least two of them ending up on top of others. Fire officials said at least one motorist had to be extricated from the wreckage.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Two people were critically injured, according to the County Fire Department.
One lane of the southbound freeway was reopened shortly after 11 a.m., but traffic was still crawling through the area.
