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14 Freeway In Lancaster Reopens After Dust Storm

LANCASTER (CBSLA.com) — A dust storm in Lancaster Tuesday afternoon caused multiple vehicle collisions and prompted the closure of the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway for hours.

Around 18 accidents were reported in the high desert due to speed, up to 60 mph winds and blowing dust.

Numerous people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

California Highway Patrol decided to shut down SR-14 in both directions around 5 p.m.

Rosemead resident Luis Ortiz said his car was totaled in a 10-vehicle pileup.

"A lot of wind. A lot of sand. I could see nothing," he said. "I'm scared, you know, because (I've never been in) this kind of situation."

KCAL9's Andrea Fujii reported that some drivers pulled off the road and waited hours until the dust cleared.

"I didn't want to take a chance…visibility was really poor," said Jim Ledesma.

The 14 Freeway was reopened around 8 p.m.

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