Image credit to San Bernardino County Fire Department
For those of us who often explore mountainous areas, a rockslide is often at the back of our minds, and usually not a realistic concern, but with an increase in seismic activity and wildfire, the risk of land and rock slides is increasing. On October 18, 2024, a significant rockslide occurred on Highway 18 near Crestline, California, resulting in severe injuries to Lake Arrowhead resident Joseph Furtek. While driving his recently purchased and outfitted Sprinter van, Mr. Furtek was struck by two large boulders that fell from a cliff, crushing the vehicle’s cabin, rock excavation work had previously been underway on the highway, and the road was open to traffic. It appears that several large rocks fell at velocity upon the passenger side of the van; luckily, Mr. Furtek was traveling alone. The impact left him with multiple compound fractures in his right leg and both feet, as well as a traumatic brain injury.
Good Samaritans at the scene promptly called for assistance and stayed with Furtek until emergency responders arrived. Rescue teams worked for hours to extricate him from the wreckage. Due to the severity of his leg injuries and significant blood loss—nearly 75% of his blood volume—there was initial consideration of amputating his right leg. However, Loma Linda University Medical Center surgeons successfully performed multiple surgeries to save the limb.
Reflecting on the incident in recent interviews, Mr. Furtek expressed gratitude for his survival and the support he has received, stating, “I’m very, very blessed to be alive.” He continues to focus on his recovery, acknowledging the long road ahead to regain full use of his right leg.
In October 2024, Crestline, California, faced a convergence of natural disasters as seismic activity and intense wildfire conditions combined to destabilize the region’s terrain, contributing to the risk of dangerous land and rockslides. A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck near Ontario on October 6, at 3:51 am, approximately 20 miles southwest of Crestline. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the epicenter just south of Highway 60 near Ontario International Airport at a depth of three miles. This quake, along with smaller aftershocks recorded throughout the month by Caltech’s Southern California Earthquake Data Center, created widespread ground instability in the area.
Simultaneously, the Line Fire, which ignited on September 5 near Baseline and Alpine Streets north of Highland, continued to devastate the region. By late October, the wildfire had scorched 43,978 acres and was 98% contained. Evacuation warnings were issued for communities such as Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and Valley of Enchantment as the fire threatened nearby residential areas.
The combination of seismic tremors and the intense heat and vegetation loss from the wildfire are thought to have significantly weakened the slopes in and around Crestline.
Mr. Furtek’s sister, Laura, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses and the loss of his van, which he had intended to use as his residence during a planned relocation to San Luis Obispo County. The fundraiser aims to support his extensive rehabilitation and recovery process.
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