Multiple Fatalities, Injuries In Deadly Elk Grove I-5 Crash
ELK GROVE (CBS13) - Nearly a dozen people were involved in a major collision on Northbound I-5 near Hood Franklin Road in Elk Grove around 4:15 p.m.
Ambulances and a helicopter rushed seven people to local trauma centers, all listed with major injuries, while four were killed by the violent impact.
"We utilized the jaws of life to get a patient out of one of the vehicles," said Chief Tracey Hansen, Cosumnes Fire Department.
Police say a Ford Expedition traveling southbound lost control and crossed the median into the northbound lanes, colliding head on with a Honda Accord. Three passengers in the SUV died, along with the driver of the Accord, and injuring one passenger.
"For unknown reasons at unknown speed, (the Expedition) crossed over," said Sgt. Bill Languemi, California Highway Patrol.
Gallery: Northbound I-5 Elk Grove Crash
CHP says there is tire tread missing from the Expedition, which could mean a tire blew out, causing the vehicle to lose control. However, this is only early speculation, while an investigation is underway.
"This is the worst car accident I've ever seen, personally," said Ken Voong.
Voong was called to pick up his uncle, driving a truck and towing a boat. He and his passenger were the only ones uninjured.
"I didn't know what to expect, and this is beyond anything I could imagine right now," said Voong.
Traffic was brought to a near halt as special crash investigators were called to the scene, preventing crews from clearing the wreck.
