8 firefighters injured when fire truck rolls over on Southern California highway

At least eight firefighters were injured Thursday evening when a fire truck crashed on a highway near Irvine, California, authorities said.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the Orange County Fire Department vehicle overturned on State Route 241 at around 6:50 p.m. local time in the Portola Springs area near State Route 133.

A ladder on the road caused the fire engine and another vehicle in front of it to swerve, the highway police said. The vehicle collided with a nearby railing and overturned. No other vehicles were apparently involved.

Initially, the highway police reported twelve injured people, but later reported eight. Six firefighters were seriously injured and two were slightly injured, the highway police said.

Helicopters landed on the toll highway and flew the victims to nearby hospitals.

Shortly after the accident, CHP officers ordered a five-hour closure of the northbound lanes of the highway.

A video from the scene showed the crashed vehicle with a sticker reading “Orange County Fire Authority Santiago Hand Crew.” The highway patrol said firefighters violated the Major fire at the airport before the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more details.