San Diego

13 Injured in Multi-Car Crash Off I-8 in El Cajon

Multiple people were taken to the hospital following a crash involving five vehicles off Interstate 8 in El Cajon, Heartland Fire officials said. 

The crash happened at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday off eastbound I-8 at Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. 

El Cajon police say five vehicles were involved in the crash on northbound Greenfield Drive at the under pass. The man behind the wheel of the last car tried to split lanes and pin balled his way through the other four vehicles, causing damage and injuring 13 people. 

Eight students with disabilities from Saint Madeline Sophie's Center were among the injured.

CEO Debra Emerson said she heard from a parent about the accident just six blocks from campus.

 β€œIt really bothered me not knowing it when somebody asked me,” Emerson said.

The victims had sat on the sidewalk along Greenfield Drive, wearing neck braces and waiting for nine ambulances to take them to the hospital.

β€œI'm very sad because I know they are going to be very upset and wanting to get home. People don't like change in a routine but as long as they're not seriously hurt,” Emerson said.

The age of the students ranged from age 20 to 60 years old.

β€œThere is a couple in our senior program, a couple in our ADC program, which is adults with disabilities at a higher level,” Emerson said.

According to the Heartland Fire Department, two children went to Rady Children's Medical Center, and 11 adults were sent to Sharp Grossmant Hospital and Alvarado Medical Center.

Their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.

The vehicle invovled in the crash was not part of Saint Madeline Sophie's fleet vehicles. The driver and passenger van were hired by the group home where the students live.

They had been on their way home before the accident happened.

The incident is under investigation.

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