Eight teenagers were injured this afternoon in a collision between an SUV and a tractor-trailer truck on Interstate 80 in Auburn.
The crash occurred about 12: 50 p.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2013 Freightliner tractor-trailer rig was traveling eastbound on I-80 near Highway 49 in the right lane when a 2004 green Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by a 17-year-old Auburn girl entered the freeway from northbound Highway 49.
The SUV driver lost control of her vehicle and collided with the right side of the tractor-trailer, according to a CHP news release. The SUV also struck a guardrail and overturned, coming to rest in the roadway.
A total of eight high-school-age teens -- four girls and four boys -- were in the in the SUV. Two of the passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the CHP.
One of the boys was partially ejected from the vehicle during the collision and was taken by air ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with major injuries. The driver suffered minor cuts and, along with two other passengers, was taken by ground ambulance to Sutter Roseville.
Two passengers were taken to Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital with minor injuries. Two other passengers did not require hospital care.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
CHP officials said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the collision.
All eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for about 20 minutes for the helicopter landing and collision investigation. Officials reported the roadway was completely reopened shortly before 3 p.m.
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