Details Released In Fatal Crash That Closed I-10 For Hours

WHITEWATER, CA — A motorist who was killed in a crash that forced the hours-long closure Thursday of Interstate 10 in Whitewater was identified Friday.

Martin Garcia, 34, of Yucca Valley died at the crash scene on eastbound I-10, approximately 1 mile west of Haugen-Lehmann Way, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau.

The fatal wreck was reported just before 9 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, Garcia was driving a Toyota Sienna in the fast lane when he failed to slow down for a construction truck ahead that was entering the center median where freeway work was underway.

The Toyota smashed into the back of the truck and the impact sent the minivan into the path of a Nissan. The construction truck, meanwhile, crashed into the center median guardrail, according to the CHP.

When Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews arrived at the scene, Garcia was gravely injured and trapped in the Toyota. He was pronounced dead after being removed from the wreckage, the agency reported.

The other drivers, a 47-year-old man from Victorville in the construction truck and a 37-year-old woman from Desert Hot Springs in the Nissan, were not seriously injured.

It's unclear whether distracted driving or drugs and/or alcohol were crash factors. The CHP is continuing to investigate.

The freeway was blocked while the CHP investigated and a SigAlert was issued. One lane was later reopened, although traffic was backed up throughout the day. All lanes were reopened around 5 p.m.