Wrong-way freeway crash leads to DUIs

IRVINE – One allegedly drunk driver, going the wrong way on the 405 freeway, lost control of his vehicle before being crashed into by another suspected drunk driver, resulting in both of their arrests Monday.

The Orange County Register reports that Ernest Lai, 20, of Cypress, was headed southbound down the Northbound 405 in a Nissan Altima when he hit the center divider, spun-out and came to a stop in the fast lane.

Stephen Mask, 40, of Lake Forest, unwittingly arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, careening into the back of the Altima, which caused the Jeep Laredo he was driving to flip over. The California Highway Patrol reportedly responded to the scene of the crash around 3:47 a.m.

Lai reportedly suffered critical injuries and was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, while Mask received treatment at the scene.

Both were arrested for driving under the influence and further investigation into the crash continues.