Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 10 Causes Major Traffic Delays Near Washington Street
Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 10 westbound near Washington Street on Tuesday afternoon, causing significant traffic disruptions for several hours. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the crash shortly after 1 p.m. near mile marker 49.
According to CHP Officer Rafael Espinosa, the incident began when a white Toyota, traveling west in the second lane, veered to the right for unknown reasons and collided with a blue semi-truck and trailer in the adjacent lane. The impact caused the Toyota to strike a disabled red semi-truck and trailer parked on the right shoulder. A white tire repair truck, positioned in front of the disabled red semi-truck, was also involved in the collision.
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The driver of the white Toyota, identified as 31-year-old Fabian Zamora of Indio, and the driver of the repair truck, 49-year-old Carolina Navarrete De Leal of Coachella, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash blocked two westbound lanes of the interstate, prompting Caltrans to divert traffic to Varner Road, as announced on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after 2 p.m. All lanes were reopened by 6:30 p.m., restoring normal traffic flow.
The CHP is investigating the cause of the collision, and further details will be released as the inquiry progresses.
