Three Dead In Fiery Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Woodland
WOODLAND, Calif. (CBS13) - Three people are dead and seven hurt after six vehicles collided and several burst into flames on Interstate 5 near Woodland, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened about 12:43 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near County Road 102. A semi truck and five passenger vehicles were involved. All of the vehicles except one burst into flames.
Two of the people who died were pinned inside of their burning SUV. A child inside another vehicle was also killed.
"There was a major impact that may have started the fire. The fire caught into the center median and engulfed more. I don't really know which vehicle caught fire first and if it spread to the other vehicles by fuel or by general combustion," said CHP Officer Ken Walter.
The seven people hurt in the crash are said to have moderate to major injuries. They were taken to several area hospitals including UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy San Juan and Kaiser.
The sixth vehicle, a van, had only minor damage. It was full of passengers and was able to drive away after the crash.
Interstate 5 fully reopened at around 9:30 p.m.
Investigators say the crash may have been caused by a slow-moving vehicle.
