Lakeside Fire Responds to Major Collision on Interstate 8

Flinn Springs: On Monday, November 1, 2010, at 3:23 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received reports of a "head-on collision" on Interstate 8 just west of Dunbar Lane. A full rescue response was dispatched which included two structural engine companies, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

On the arrival of Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station), firefighters discovered two vehicles with severe damage from a high energy collision between a SUV and a van. Crews determined that there were two victims, one with moderate injuries, while the second patient could not be immediately accessed due to the damage.

A CHP officer inspects a vehicle involved in a fatality accident.

Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) was assigned to start extrication operations on the van that had come to rest on its side. Due to the extended extrication time, an aeromedical helicopter ( Mercy Air) was requested to respond to the scene in anticipation of transporting this occupant. Crews were able to immediately access the patient in the SUV where she was treated for fractures and transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

Unfortunately upon reaching the other patient, it was determined that he had succumbed to his injuries. Mercy Air was subsequently canceled.

The accident closed most of the lanes of Interstate 8, which resulted in a significant traffic jam that reached back to the El Cajon Valley. CHP is currently investigating this accident.

Agencies assisting Lakeside included Alpine and Viejas Fire. In all 12 personnel from Lakeside Fire responded, assisted by 4 personnel from Alpine Fire and 2 from Viejas Fire

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Captain Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District