VEHICLE COLLISION: Interstate 10 Accident Results in 12-Hour Shutdown

March 15, 2011

Chiriaco Summit - At least three persons were injured in a chain accident that caused the shutdown of interstate 10 for 12 hours.

Authorities said a 33-year-old resident of Mesa, Ariz was driving a 2007 Honda was the first car stopped behind the workers, followed by waiting two big rigs. Another big-rig approached and was unable to stop, causing it to hit one semi that led to a chain-reaction.

The Officers on the scene told dispatchers that an empty Fed Ex truck appeared and had been completely destroyed. 2 drivers and a passenger were injured and immediately transported via Medivac helicopters to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment however, their condition was still unknown.

Westbound traffic was blocked at State Route 177 as officers set up detour signs leading vehicles to high desert and Highway 62 where they drove through Joshua tree and Yucca Valley back to Interstate 10 near Desert Hot Springs.

According to CHP, even before the accident happened, 1 westbound lane was already close and will remain close while the construction is still in progress. The other available westbound lanes were opened back on Tuesday.