MALIBU—A multi-car accident left two drivers trapped in their wrecked vehicles on Wednesday, February 9.

The accident occurred before 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday on the 20100 block of Pacific Coast Highway between Big Rock Drive and Topanga Canyon Road, south of the Moonshadows Malibu restaurant. The California Highway Patrol has not yet determined what led to the multi-vehicle accident, but confirmed a total of seven cars were involved. Paramedics were called to the scene to provide assistance.

Police and firefighters immediately shut down the PCH, stopping traffic in both directions as they worked to assist the drivers. Seven of the injured drivers were taken via ambulance to nearby hospitals, with four individuals sustaining minor injuries and at least one reportedly in serious condition. Two were found trapped in the wrecked metal of their cars. Firefighters quickly worked to cut away the metal and pull the drivers to safety, who were airlifted to a local hospital. They were both listed in critical condition.

PCH was shut down for hours, with the eastbound lanes not re-opening to motorists until around 5:20 p.m. The westbound lanes opened a little later, at around 6:45 p.m.

Authorities believe that there were at least two collisions that led to the wreck. All of the vehicles appeared to have sustained serious damage.