A Caltrans truck rolled over on Highway 18 between Lucerne Valley and Big Bear on Friday morning, leaving two occupants with major injuries and shutting down the highway in both directions. One occupant was trapped inside the vehicle with a major head laceration, while the second suffered a head laceration as well, and both were reported awake and breathing.
The crash was reported at approximately 8:12 a.m. several miles from the Mitsubishi Cement plant, according to VVNG. Firefighters were asked to expedite their response given the reported injuries, and medics at the scene worked to remove the trapped passenger from the wreckage. San Bernardino County Fire requested two medical helicopters to airlift the injured occupants from the remote stretch of mountain highway.
Highway Shut Down for Hazmat and Injury Investigation
The California Highway Patrol's Arrowhead office said Highway 18 was closed in both directions at mile marker 64.00 due to a major traffic crash involving hazardous materials and serious injuries.
CHP said the closure was expected to remain in place for an unknown duration, per a written statement, and motorists were urged to use alternate routes and plan accordingly. The report indicated additional information would be updated as it became available.
Not the First Serious Wreck on This Stretch
Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley has seen other serious collisions this year. A three-vehicle crash at Custer Road in Lucerne Valley injured three people on May 31, according to Pain in the Pass. One patient from that crash was airlifted to Loma Linda University Hospital with a compound fracture, while the other two were taken by ground ambulance.
No further details on the identities of those involved in Friday's rollover, the nature of the hazardous material, or the cause of the crash have been released. Drivers headed toward Big Bear or Lucerne Valley should expect delays and seek alternate routes until the highway reopens.
