Police investigate crash that sent five to hospital

A traffic collision Sunday afternoon in Newport Beach sent five people to the hospital, three with major injuries, police said.

The crash occurred at 3:55 p.m. along the southbound lanes of Newport Boulevard just before the Hospital Road traffic light, police said.

A minivan, sport utility vehicle and Jaguar were all involved in the crash, which sent the minivan into a roll, police said.

The driver of the Jaguar suffered the most severe injuries and was taken to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana, said Sgt. Bill Hartford. Two others in the crash were also taken to Western Medical Center while another two went to Hoag Memorial Hospital, just up the street.

The crash backed up traffic for miles down Newport Boulevard toward the 55 Freeway. Police were still investigating the cause and specifics of the collision Sunday night.

— Kelly Strodl