The 10 Freeway in Ontario became the site of a devastating crash on Tuesday involving as many as eight vehicles, including four semi-trucks, which led to the tragic loss of three lives. NBC Los Angeles reported that the crash occurred near the 15 Freeway around 1:15 p.m. and resulted in all westbound lanes being shut down.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, one in which a semi-truck seemed to lose control and collide with a queue of traffic. Jason Calmelat told KTLA 5, "He didn’t try to slow down. He just went full force into the back of another truck, crushing two other cars.” The aftermath was captured on dashcam video, showing the severe impact and extent of damage to the vehicles involved, and is now part of a law enforcement investigation as reported by ABC7.
Four individuals were rushed to the hospital, with one of them being declared deceased shortly after. The crash, compounded with dense traffic, caused significant delays. Ontario Fire Department firefighters confirmed that all victims were adults, as noted by CBS Los Angeles.
The driver responsible for the crash, a 21-year-old man from Yuba City, was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of narcotics, as stated by the California Highway Patrol. As crews cleared the catastrophic scene, the freeway reopened around 1 a.m., according to a statement obtained by CBS Los Angeles. Despite the reopening of lanes, the effects of the pileup are expected to ripple through the local community as a startling reminder of the fragility of life amid the hum of the freeway.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased as an investigation into the precise cause of the crash continues.
