Anaheim Teen Critically Hurt When Crowded Van Overturns

BARSTOW — An Anaheim teen-ager was in critical condition Friday after the crowded van she was riding in crashed and rolled over during a trip to Las Vegas earlier in the week, authorities said.

Cathy Rubalcaba, 17, was ejected from the 1987 Plymouth Voyager and suffered head injuries after the van, driven by her father, veered out of control about 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The vehicle, carrying nine family members, was traveling north on Interstate 15 when its right rear tire blew, causing the van to sideswipe a big rig and then roll over several times, CHP Officer Pete Schaeffer said.

“The van was overloaded,” Schaeffer said. “There were nine people in a vehicle suited for seven.”

“I can’t stress to people enough that overloading their vehicle with too many people puts too much stress on the vehicle and on the tires,” he said. “And coming through the desert, they have to be prepared for hot and dry conditions.”

The victim, who was not wearing a seat belt, was airlifted to Loma Linda Medical Center, Schaeffer said. Eduardo Rubalcaba, her 1-month-old brother, also was being treated for head injuries at Loma Linda, where he was listed in serious condition late Friday.

Other family members were treated for minor injuries and released. The truck driver was unharmed.

Schaeffer said the accident is still under investigation.