Wrong-way driver hits 25 Los Angeles County Sheriff's recruits; 5 in critical condition

The driver of an SUV veered into the wrong lane and plowed through dozens of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy recruits running in formation during a training exercise early Wednesday, injuring 25 cadets, authorities said.

The most severe injuries included head trauma, broken bones, and “loss of limb,” said Sheriff Alex Villanueva. He said five people were critically injured, four had moderate injuries, and 16 had minor injuries.

“So far, it looks like it’s an accident, a horrific accident,” Villanueva said, adding that he was told the scene looked like the aftermath of an airplane wreck.