At least three people died early Thursday in a devastating wrong-way crash involving three vehicles on Riverside’s 91 Freeway, where wreckage and debris brought traffic to a standstill.
The collision occurred around 2 a.m. near 14th Street and involved a big rig, a black sedan and a white SUV.
California Highway Patrol traffic logs indicate that vehicles were moving at high speed eastbound in the westbound lanes. Officers said one vehicle was seen weaving through traffic before the deadly collision.
The impact sent the white SUV onto its side after it crashed into the black sedan and the big rig. A witness identified as Michelle told authorities the wreck involved a wrong-way driver, according to the logs.
Several bodies were found inside the black BMW, officers said, according to ABC 7. A fourth person was transported to a hospital in unknown condition, the outlet reported.
Images from the scene showed the severity of the crash. The BMW’s front end was crushed, with twisted metal scattered across the vehicle.
The white SUV appeared to be almost completely destroyed as it rested on its side beside the freeway wall. The big rig sustained damage primarily to its front end.
The truck was positioned against the direction of traffic, while the black sedan faced the opposite way and the white SUV remained overturned.
Authorities issued a SIG Alert and shut down every westbound lane of the 91 Freeway, along with an onramp at 14th Street, while crews cleared the debris. Caltrans advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
“All lanes closed on WB SR-91 near 14th Street in Riverside due to traffic incident,” Caltrans District 8 posted on X.
“Maintenance crews are on scene for clean up. Unknown ETO. Seek alternate route if possible. Check for updates.”
By 6:40 a.m., traffic had backed up heavily in the area. The California Highway Patrol reported that its portion of the response ended around 5:15 a.m., after officers closed the roadway and placed flares.
The cause of the fatal Riverside freeway crash remains under investigation.