Driver Escapes Serious Injury on Interstate 8 Vehicle Accident

Flinn Springs-

The sole occupant of a eastbound SUV escaped serious injury when his vehicle left the freeway landing some 50 feet down a ravine. On Sunday, June 30th, 2013 at 8:23 AM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched first-responders to a reported vehicle "over-the-side" on eastbound Interstate 8 just west of the Dunbar Lane off-ramp. Two structural engines, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief were sent to the incident.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm starts the assessment on the sole occupant of the vehicle.

While responding to the call Medic 3 came across a multi-patient incident on Los Coches Rd near the freeway. While they stopped to render aid an additional medic unit was sent to the Interstate 8 incident.

Passenger side damage like this typically results in severe, or fatal, injuries. Fortunately nobody was in the front passenger seat.

With the arrival of Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station), Engine 17 (Alpine Fire) and Division 4103 (Laff) crews contacted the sole occupant who had amazingly suffered relatively minor injuries. Upon accessing the vehicle fire crews were surprised to see the amount of damage that had occurred.  Realistically, had a passenger been in the front seat, their survival would have been questionable.

CHP is currently investigating the accident. A total of 7 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. Lakeside was assisted by Alpine and Heartland Fire and Rescue.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District



View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map