Boulder Crashes on Highway 18, Injuring 5 Near Big Bear Lake
On Friday evening, a serious accident occurred on Highway 18 near Big Bear Lake when a large boulder fell onto the roadway. The incident took place around 5:45 p.m. near mile marker 44, prompting a response from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Boulder Incident Details
The boulder, which dislodged from the mountainside, caused a two-car collision. Firefighters reported that the rock rolled onto the road, resulting in injuries to five individuals, including two children. Thankfully, all injuries were classified as minor.
Victims and Response
- Five injured, including two children
- Four victims transported to local hospitals
- All injuries deemed minor
Fire department personnel and crews from Big Bear Lake and Arrowbear Lake joined efforts to clear the wreckage. The road was reopened just hours after the crash, thanks to the prompt action of the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans).
Weather Impact
This incident occurred amidst a significant winter storm that had impacted Southern California throughout the Christmas holiday. Earlier the same day, an EF0 tornado touched down in Boyle Heights, near downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, storm runoff led to severe damage in Ventura County, where a storm drain failed, affecting a residential backyard.
The boulder crash on Highway 18 highlights the unpredictable nature of weather-related incidents in the region, marking yet another event attributed to the recent storm activity.
