VIDEO/PHOTOS: A rollover crash on an Orange County freeway left eight firefighters hospitalized Thursday night.
The crash occurred in Irvine on the 241 toll road near SR-133 shortly before 7 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities said a ladder dropped on the road forced the oncoming fire truck to swerve away from the object. The maneuver caused the vehicle to strike a guardrail and overturn.
Eight firefighters were inside the truck at the time. They were crews who were heading home after battling the ongoing Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon.
The collision left six firefighters with critical injuries and two with minor injuries, CHP said. They were all transported to local trauma centers and hospitals for emergency treatment.
“We ask that you pray for our firefighters and their families,” said Brian Fennessy, fire chief of the Orange County Fire Authority.