Tractor-trailer causes 20 car crash on Hwy. 1

A big-rig caused a crash involving 20 other vehicles on northbound state Highway 1 in Santa Cruz Tuesday morning, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said.

The crash was reported shortly after 9:50 a.m. on northbound Highway 1 just south of River Street, CHP Officer Sam Courtney said.

The big-rig plowed into slowing and stopped traffic ahead of it, causing injuries to several people that range from “minor to moderate and possibly a couple more severe,” Courtney said.

The crash shut down northbound Highway 1 in the area for multiple hours. Investigators remained at the scene into the afternoon to inspect the big-rig, according to Courtney.

The failure of the big-rig’s brakes are suspected to have contributed to the crash, and investigators will also weigh it to make sure it was not carrying too heavy of a load, Courtney said.

There is no estimate yet for when the roadway will reopen.