A 17-year-old was killed late Sunday after being ejected from a Tesla that slammed into a guardrail on the westbound 60 Freeway in Moreno Valley. The adult driver suffered major, life-threatening injuries, and several other passengers were rushed to hospitals. Witnesses and investigators said the guardrail penetrated the car’s roof, creating an opening through which the teenager was thrown from the vehicle.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the California Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred at about 9:42 p.m. Sunday on westbound State Route 60, just east of Heacock Avenue. In a preliminary account, the CHP said the Tesla, which was carrying five people, attempted to pass traffic at a high rate of speed, lost control and hit the guardrail. The barrier then pierced the car through the roof. When the vehicle finally came to rest, the teen, who was reportedly seated in a rear position and not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected through the open roof.
MyNewsLA traffic logs and dispatch reports show that emergency crews issued a Sigalert for the westbound lanes and that three people were transported to hospitals by ground ambulance. It was not immediately clear whether the teen’s death was pronounced at the scene or after arrival at a hospital. A May rollover killed a 24-year-old on the same stretch earlier this spring, underscoring a recent run of severe crashes along the corridor.
Investigation and evidence
Investigators said they are examining how speed, lane-change maneuvers and seatbelt use may have factored into the teen’s ejection from the car. They also reported finding a loaded firearm inside the Tesla. Officials have not said whether the gun is tied in any way to the collision, and they have not announced whether anyone involved could face criminal charges.
SR-60 safety and recent work
The State Route 60 corridor through Moreno Valley has been the focus of safety upgrades in recent years, including a multimillion-dollar truck-lane widening project intended to cut down on risky passing and improve shoulder space, according to California Highways. New truck lanes opened in 2022 to ease passing and add more room on the shoulders, steps officials said were designed to reduce high-speed crashes on the route, as covered by Patch.
What to watch next
The CHP said the investigation remains active and is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have video of the incident to contact its office. Officials have not yet announced any charges. Further updates are expected as investigators analyze evidence and hospital notifications are completed.
