RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 29, 2024, on State Route 91 eastbound, just west of Adams Street, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. At approximately 3:16 AM, California Highway Patrol (CHP) units from Riverside responded to a collision involving two vehicles, a Jeep Patriot and a Kia Sportage. The initial crash left the Jeep disabled in the traffic lanes, with minor injuries reported.
Moments after the crash, the occupants of the Jeep exited the vehicle, becoming pedestrians on the freeway. A commercial tractor-trailer traveling eastbound tried to avoid the disabled Jeep but lost control and overturned after crashing through a concrete barrier. The truck driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A Toyota Camry, following behind the truck, also attempted to avoid the Jeep. Unfortunately, the Toyota struck the Jeep and a male pedestrian, who was a former passenger of the Jeep, fatally injuring him. The impact pushed the Jeep forward, hitting another pedestrian standing in front of the vehicle, who suffered major injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was unharmed and showed no signs of impairment. Both the drivers of the Jeep and Kia were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
CHP Officer A. Rabago is leading the investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol Accident Investigation Unit at (951) 324-7210. This is an ongoing investigation.