Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash On Interstate 10 Slows Traffic

THOUSAND PALMS, CA — A driver was killed in a three-vehicle crash on westbound Interstate 10 in Thousand Palms Tuesday, with authorities investigating a possible second fatality.

The deadly collision was reported shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday near mile marker 49, according to California Highway Patrol records. CHP officer Rafael Espinosa told City News Service that two big rigs and a car were involved in the crash, which initially shut down all lanes.

Officials were still working to identify the deceased victim, Espinosa said.

One lane has since been reopened as CHP personnel attempted to divert traffic through Varner Road, according to CHP records. Espinosa told CNS that on-site CHP staff were investigating a possible second fatality, but in the meantime, they "[couldn't] even identify some of the vehicles, since they're so smashed together."

Another driver, who was behind the wheel of one of the trucks, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. An update on that person's condition was not immediately available.

As of 2:15 p.m., traffic was backed up to Monroe, Espinosa said.