A fiery multi-vehicle collision involving several tractor-trailers and passenger cars claimed at least three lives and left two others injured Tuesday afternoon on the 10 Freeway near Interstate 15, authorities confirmed.
The devastating crash occurred shortly after 1 p.m. in the westbound lanes, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision triggered a chain reaction involving multiple big rigs and smaller vehicles, sparking a massive fire that engulfed several of them in flames.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as one semi-truck, reportedly with a red cab, plowed into halted traffic at full speed.
“I was standing outside talking to a friend when I saw it happen,” said eyewitness Jason Calmelat. “The red truck was going fast — everyone else was stopped. He didn’t even try to slow down. He just went full force into the back of another truck, crushing two cars. Then there was this huge fireball.”
First responders arrived within minutes, battling both the blaze and chaotic traffic conditions. Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the flames as emergency crews assessed victims and cleared mangled wreckage from the roadway.
CHP officials confirmed that three people were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of families.
The westbound lanes of the 10 Freeway were closed for several hours as investigators examined the scene, prompting major traffic backups throughout the afternoon and evening. Authorities are now reviewing dashcam footage and witness statements to determine whether mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or distraction may have played a role.
“It’s one of the worst crashes we’ve seen in this area in recent memory,” said a CHP spokesperson. “The combination of heavy traffic, large trucks, and high speeds can turn deadly in an instant.”
The fiery pileup has reignited calls for increased safety measures on the region’s busiest freight corridors, where thousands of commercial trucks travel daily.
As cleanup crews continue to remove debris and hazardous materials from the roadway, CHP officials have urged drivers to remain patient and avoid the area until lanes fully reopen.
The investigation remains ongoing.