91 Freeway Crash Triggered By Kitten, Man Who Saved It

RIVERSIDE, CA — A motorist concerned about the welfare of a kitten who wandered onto the Riverside (91) Freeway Wednesday stopped his vehicle in lanes to rescue the animal, triggering a three-vehicle wreck that left one person injured.

The collision occurred at 12:40 p.m. on the westbound 91, just east of Madison Street on the west end of Riverside, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said the driver of a sedan spotted the kitten crossing the freeway, heading into the center divider, prompting him to stop in the fast lane to grab the animal.

One motorist came to an immediate stop behind the man's car, but a third driver was unable to brake in time and slammed into the stopped vehicle, as well as the animal rescuer's sedan, according to the CHP.

The man successfully retrieved the uninjured kitten.

Riverside Fire Department crews reached the location within 15 minutes and found one victim with minor injuries and one vehicle significantly damaged.

The injured party, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken to Riverside Community Hospital for treatment.

CHP officers moved all of the vehicles to the right shoulder of the freeway, avoiding lane closures.

The collision remained under investigation.