10 Hurt as Semi Slams Into RV

Ten people were hurt--at least two critically--after a motor home was crushed between two big rigs Wednesday on the Golden State Freeway near Lake Hughes Road in Castaic, authorities said.

The two critically injured victims, who were in the motor home, were transferred by helicopter to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, said California Highway Patrol Officer Doug Sweeney. Authorities did not identify any of the victims, nor did they release the conditions of those less seriously injured, who were taken to three area hospitals.

The 1:15 p.m. collision occurred just south of a construction site where the freeway narrows from four lanes to two, Sweeney said.

One big rig had stopped, and the motor home, carrying 11 people, stopped behind it, Sweeney said.

“The other big rig, driving too fast for conditions, was unable to stop in time and rear-ended the motor home, which rear-ended the big rig in front,” Sweeney said.

Although investigators were still trying to determine the motor home’s destination, Sweeney said it was registered in British Columbia, Canada, and could have been returning there.

The accident prompted authorities to close three of four northbound lanes, causing traffic to back up for eight miles, Sweeney said. Southbound lanes were unaffected.