Ontario, California — A devastating eight-vehicle crash on the 10 Freeway claimed the lives of at least three individuals and left four others injured during the heavy rush-hour commute, according to local authorities.
The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. when a semitruck failed to stop as the traffic ahead was slowing near the interchange with the 15 Freeway. Officer Joe Garcia from the California Highway Patrol reported that the collision led to an extensive pileup that included four semitrucks and four passenger vehicles. One of the cars caught fire, a post-accident scene that underscores the severity of the crash.
Authorities have arrested the 21-year-old driver of the semitruck, suspected of being under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. As emergency responders worked to manage the situation, three people were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were transported to nearby hospitals. The condition of the injured remained undisclosed as of Tuesday evening.
By 9 p.m., all westbound lanes except for the two FasTrak lanes had been closed, creating significant delays for evening commuters. Transition roads from the 15 Freeway to the westbound 10 were also shut down, with no clear timeline for reopening. Drivers were urged to find alternate routes as the investigation into the crash continued.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Jason Calmelat, who observed the crash, immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. “Somebody just died,” he recalled, detailing how the truck raced into a stopped vehicle without any sign of slowing down. He stated that the semitruck struck another truck at high speed, devastating the vehicles in its path.
Carmelat noted that one of the passenger vehicles “exploded on impact,” resulting in a “massive fireball” that shot into the air. His harrowing account highlights the violent nature of the collision and the profound impact it had on all involved.
As officials investigate the cause of the crash, the devastation serves as a stern reminder of the dangers present on the roadways, particularly during peak traffic times. The community continues to grapple with the loss of life and the serious injuries resulting from this tragic event.