CNN
March 19, 2000
 
 
Pickup packed with alleged smuggled immigrants crashes, killing three

                  MOUNT SIGNAL, California (AP) -- A stolen pickup truck carrying 22
                  allegedly smuggled immigrants crashed on Highway 98 near the Mexican
                  border, killing three and injuring 18, authorities said Saturday.

                  One woman was not injured.

                  The pickup was eastbound on Highway 98 approaching Mount Signal shortly
                  before 8 a.m. Friday when the driver lost control and it overturned, according
                  to a California Highway Patrol report.

                  The names of the three men who were killed in the crash were not released.

                  The driver sustained a cut wrist and was arrested.

                  The driver and passengers were believed to be illegal immigrants, said Henry
                  Rolon, a Border Patrol spokesman in El Centro. He didn't release other
                  details.

                  Mount Signal is a tiny hamlet in Imperial County, about 114 miles southeast of
                  San Diego and a few miles north of the Mexico border.

                   Copyright 2000 The Associated Press.