9 hurt when van crashes into tree in Dana Point

Authorities say nine children have non-life-threatening injuries after their van crashed into a tree while heading to the Dana Point Harbor.

Orange County sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Braun says the van was taking the youngsters to Dana Point on an after-school trip yesterday afternoon when the van had a mechanical problem, possibly a brake failure.

The van rolled down a steep, winding road from a cliff and smashed into a tree. It was hauling a small trailer and paddleboards to the harbor.

Fire officials say five children ages 9 to 12 had trauma injuries and were taken to a hospital. Four other children were treated for lesser injuries and were picked up by their parents. The driver refused treatment.

Braun says all of the children had non-life-threatening injuries.