7 hurt when ambulance tips over after crashing with a van in Fountain Valley

Seven people were hurt when an ambulance collided with a van and tipped over in Fountain Valley on Friday afternoon, according to an Orange County Fire Authority official.

The crash occurred about 1:40 p.m. at the intersection of Euclid Street and Warner Avenue, OCFA spokesman Capt. Larry Kurtz said.

The ambulance was on its way to a nearby hospital but instead ended up on its side in the intersection, Kurtz said.

The ambulance was headed south on Euclid Street with its lights and siren on, police said. When it tried to pass through the intersection, a van headed east on Warner collided with it, Fountain Valley police Lt. Matt Sheppard said.

The extent of victims’ injuries and their conditions weren’t immediately available. Police said six of the injured people — one from the van and five from the ambulance — were taken to local hospitals. A seventh person declined to be taken to a hospital.

The ambulance was from Care Ambulance Service, a private company that contracts with cities and agencies in Orange County.

Police said they’re still investigating the crash’s cause but have ruled out any impairment from drugs or alcohol.