One hospitalized after RV, vehicle jackknife near Highway 101 south of El Capitán State Beach
EL CAPITAN, Calif. - One man is hospitalized with serious injuries after an RV jackknifed while towing a small SUV just off the 101 freeway near El Capitan State Beach on Friday.
The incident happened around 4:08 p.m. just off the El Capitan Ranch Road offramp.
Santa Barbara County Fire responded and found the RV driver had taken the wrong exit from the freeway. When he realized this while driving on Calle Real, he reportedly backed up the RV in an attempt to get back on the freeway.
Crews said the SUV ended up jackknifing during that time and became stuck in the lane.
VehicleAccident- Calle Real near El Capitan Ranch Rd exit from US 101 northbound. Large RV towing SUV jackknifed while backing. Male driver suffered critical head injuries during fall while exiting RV. Taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. C/T 4:09 p.m. *Call Newsline* pic.twitter.com/fBij7E40fB
— SBCFireInfo (@EliasonMike) June 12, 2021
Santa Barbara County Fire said the RV driver, a man in his 70's, attempted to exit the 36-foot vehicle in order to assess the situation but fell from the RV. He suffered critical head injuries and was treated on scene by County Fire paramedics before being transported to Cottage Hospital for treatment.
The man's wife was not injured but was also transported to the hospital to be with her husband.
County Fire said the couple had two small dogs with them that were put into crates and taken by CHP to their Santa Barbara office for care.
CHP called for tow truck assistance to move the RV and vehicle.
It is unclear when the roadway will be fully cleared.
Check back for updates.
