A fatal multi-vehicle crash shut down westbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Washington Street for several hours Monday morning after a big rig crossed through the center divider and into oncoming traffic, triggering a pileup and a vehicle fire.
According to California Highway Patrol traffic logs, the crash was reported at approximately 7:48 a.m. near the Washington Street on-ramp at mile marker 50. The collision involved two semi-trucks, a cement truck and a Jeep Wrangler, with investigators noting additional vehicles may have been involved.
One of the big rigs crossed from the eastbound lanes into westbound traffic, initiating the chain-reaction crash. Shortly after impact, a big rig caught fire, prompting a response from CAL FIRE and multiple emergency units. A cement truck burned and a semi-truck trailer was partially destroyed. Tow companies were called to remove the heavily damaged vehicles from the scene.
Authorities classified the incident as a fatality. The Riverside County Coroner’s Office was requested to the scene. The identity of the victim has not been released.
The Washington Street westbound on-ramp was closed following the crash, and the No. 2 and No. 3 westbound lanes were blocked. Traffic backed up significantly between Washington Street and Jefferson Street. CHP estimated the closure would last approximately four hours.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.