March 2 (UPI) -- At least a dozen people were killed in Southern California on Tuesday, in a crash involving a semi-truck and a sport-utility vehicle, authorities said.
Police said the crash occurred on Highway 115 Tuesday morning Near Holtville in Imperial County, about 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Holtville is located about 100 miles east of downtown San Diego.
The Los Angeles Times reported at least 15 dead.
Police said the SUV was carrying more than two dozen people at the time of the "mass fatality" crash. Several were injured.
Several people were airlifted to a hospital in Palm Springs, officials said.
Three of the four patients being treated at the hospital were in the intensive care unit, hospital director of communications Todd Burke told CNN.
At least one injured passenger has since been released from the hospital.
The Mexican consulate said at least 10 Mexican nationals were among those killed in the crash.
U.S. authorities are working with the consulate to determine who was in the vehicle and notify their next of kin.
