7 Family Members Hurt in Van Crash

SYLMAR — Seven British nationals were injured Sunday morning when the minivan in which they were riding overturned on a freeway in Sylmar.

The group, all members of the same family, were traveling on the interchange of the Foothill and Ronald Reagan freeways when the accident occurred at 8:30 a.m., said Brian Humphrey, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A woman and 13-year-old boy were ejected from the van and trapped underneath it until two men driving by stopped and were able to lift or roll the van off them, Humphrey said.

“These guys had to have herculean strength,” said Humphrey, who added that the two were not identified. “Their quick and decisive action gave these two persons a chance at survival.”

The boy was taken to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles where a spokeswoman said he was in fair condition. The 33-year-old woman was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center; hospital officials declined to give any information on her condition.

However, a knowledgeable source said the woman was in critical condition.

The other five injured passengers, including an 8-year-old girl, were treated for minor injuries and released, officials said.