[UPDATE 5:02 p.m.] Multiple Patients Injured After Van Plunges Over Embankment West of Glendale on Highway 299

Multiple people were injured this afternoon after a red van carrying numerous occupants reportedly left Highway 299 west of Glendale and went over an embankment, according to emergency dispatch records and scanner traffic.

The crash was reported at approximately 3:41 p.m. near mile marker 2.5 on westbound Highway 299.

Initial California Highway Patrol dispatch information indicated the vehicle had spun out and gone off the roadway. Dispatchers noted there were multiple occupants inside the vehicle and that it was not visible from the road. Several passing motorists reportedly stopped at the scene.

Scanner traffic identified the vehicle as a van carrying eight occupants that had gone over an embankment. The number of people involved initially fluctuated as crews worked the scene. Early reports referenced eight patients, while later scanner traffic indicated nine people were involved. Early reports indicated one victim had lost consciousness.

As emergency crews arrived and began triage, responders requested additional ambulances. Scanner traffic indicated that a third ambulance had been dispatched while personnel assessed patients. Responders also requested additional CHP units for traffic control, noting the crash occurred on a blind curve.

According to scanner reports, emergency personnel ultimately categorized the patients as two critical, five with moderate injuries, and two with minor injuries.

CHP dispatch records show the vehicle came to rest off the right-hand side of the roadway. A lane closure was later established, with Caltrans placing a closure of the No. 2 lane while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.:  Emergency responders requested a fourth ambulance this afternoon after a van carrying multiple occupants went over an embankment on westbound Highway 299 near mile marker 2.5 west of Glendale.

According to scanner traffic, two critically injured patients were being loaded into the first ambulance at the scene. Earlier reports indicated one patient had lost consciousness.

Responders reported that one of the critically injured patients was a 17-year-old who was reportedly unrestrained at the time of the crash. Scanner traffic indicated the teen suffered a loss of consciousness, lacerations to the left forearm, and head and neck pain.

Another ambulance contained a second 17-year-old male patient was reported to be conscious and oriented. Scanner traffic suggested one teen had been sitting on the lap of the first patient.

Additional patients were also evaluated and transported from the scene. According to scanner reports, a male passenger suffered neck pain and altered mental status but reportedly did not lose consciousness and a 32-year-old male driver complained of left ankle and shin pain, which he rated as 8 out of 10.