Dozens rescued after more than 20 cars become stuck in mudslide near Lake Hughes
Several helicopters were dispatched to help with rescue efforts, authorities said.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY (KABC) -- Authorities rescued dozens of drivers Sunday evening after their vehicles became stuck in a mudslide in the Lake Hughes area, according to authorities.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the area near Lake Hughes and Pine Canyon roads around 5 p.m. Authorities said 24 cars became stuck.
Video provided to Eyewitness News by a driver showed the massive buildup. That driver was able to avoid getting stuck in the mud but was forced to turn around.
"As we were going up, we noticed that all the cars started to turn around and bust a U-turn," said Isaah Alford, who was among those stuck in the mudslide. "As they were making a U-turn, we just see trees and just a bunch of water falling. We're just a little terrified. We've never experienced a mudslide."
Several helicopters were dispatched to help with rescue efforts, authorities said. First responders rescued about 53 stranded people.
The drivers had been trying to get around a shutdown of the northbound 5 Freeway near Castaic as crews worked to repair a portion of the freeway that was damaged by the Route Fire.
Lake Hughes, Lake Elizabeth and Pine Canyon roads as well as areas around Pine Canyon Road are set to remain closed through at least the end of day Monday as crews worked to clear away all the mud. Public Works officials say the closures will remain in place until the threat of flash flooding is over.
No injuries were reported.
Many parts of Southern California saw rain as remnants of Tropical Storm Kay stayed through the weekend.
