04/25/08

DOUGLAS, Ariz. (AP) _ A van packed with illegal immigrants
struck a guardrail in southeastern Arizona and then rolled several
times, injuring 24 people.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says seven victims, one
with life-threatening injuries, were airlifted to hospitals in
Tucson, 100 miles away.

Seventeen others were taken by ambulance to hospitals in
Douglas, Bisbee and Willcox.

DPS Officer Joy Craig said no one was wearing a seat belt and
all the occupants of the 1996 Ford Club Wagon were ejected in the
late-Thursday night accident on U.S. 191 about 13 miles north of
Douglas.

Some victims fled into the desert and were found during a search
of the area.

Craig said all those in the van were illegal immigrants.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-04-25-08 1000MDT<