Multiple injured after horse trailer carrying possible immigrants crashes on Interstate 8

PINE VALLEY (KUSI) — A horse trailer apparently involved in smuggling unauthorized immigrants crashed on Interstate 8 about 55 miles east of San Diego Saturday, and Border Patrol agents took 19 people into custody.

Six of the 19 had to be taken to area hospitals — including two who had to be airlifted — as a result of the crash, which occurred about 11:50 a.m. on westbound Interstate 8 near Crestwood Road, about 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Passing motorists told dispatchers they had seen more than a dozen people fleeing into a mountainous area after the crash.

The trailer, which was being pulled by a Ford F250, overturned and had its top ripped off, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Border Patrol spokesman Eduardo Olmos said agents have not confirmed the nationalities of any of the people in custody.

Olmos said agents were continuing to search the area for anyone else involved in the crash.

This is a developing story, we will provide updates as they become available.