© Provided by The Independent At least 15 people were killed after an SUV crashed into a gravel truck in California, authorities say.
The shocking incident took place in the area of El Centro, California, which is near the Mexican border 60 miles west of Arizona.
Authorities say that 14 people were found dead at the scene of the accident on state route 155 and that at least one more died later at El Centro Regional Medical Center.
There were 27 people packed into the SUV when it collided with the truck on Tuesday morning, according to Judy Cruz, the El Centro Regional Medical Center's emergency department director.
Dr Adolphe Edward, the chief executive officer of the hospital, said they were dealing with a "major accident."
"The patients are, of course, going through a little bit of a difficult time," said Dr Edward.
"This was a major accident, and we are taking care of them in the emergency room department."
Four people were transported by helicopter to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, where three remain in intensive care, confirmed hospital public information officer Todd Burke.
The truck driver reportedly only suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Jake Sanchez, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol, said that the Ford Expedition SUV had a maximum legal capacity of seven to eight people.
Imperial County Fire Department say they responded to the "mass fatality incident" at 6:16am.
Customs and Border Patrol officers are on the scene assisting the Imperial County Sheriff's Office.