Woman Critically Hurt After Car Broadsided Near Freeway

Authorities say a driver may have run a red light causing a two-car collision Saturday near the County Government Center. Two people were sent to the hospital, one of them with critical injuries.

The 2:30 p.m. crash at Victoria Avenue and Webster Street tied up traffic exiting eastbound California 126, as well as traffic in both directions on Victoria Avenue, a major north-south thoroughfare in east Ventura.

Authorities say 35-year-old Lorie Easlick of Ventura was driving east through the intersection from the 126 offramp when her car was broadsided by a car driven by a 16-year-old girl.

Both cars spun sideways and Easlick’s car overturned, trapping her underneath. Easlick was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected from her vehicle, authorities said.

Both drivers were taken by ambulance to local hospitals. Easlick was listed in critical condition Saturday in the intensive care unit at Ventura County Medical Center, according to a hospital spokeswoman. The teenager was treated at the medical center and released.

Witnesses told police one of the cars ran the signal. The investigation is continuing.