Tragic Freeway Collision in Southern California Claims at Least Three Lives

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In a tragic incident on Tuesday afternoon, a devastating collision on the 10 Freeway in Ontario, California, ended with at least three fatalities and left two individuals hospitalized. The crash, which involved multiple tractor trailers and passenger vehicles, occurred shortly after 1 p.m., according to reports from the California Highway Patrol.

The scene unfolded in the westbound lanes near the intersection with Interstate 15, a busy junction notorious for heavy traffic. Eyewitness accounts paint a chilling picture of the events leading up to the crash.

Jason Calmelat, who was in a nearby parking lot at the time, recounted the harrowing moment when a big rig with a red cab sped into stationary traffic. Speaking to local affiliate reporter Jillian Smukler, Calmelat described the truck’s alarming speed and lack of any apparent attempt to brake before it violently collided with the vehicles ahead.

“I was just outside talking to a friend, facing the freeway, when I saw the red truck racing towards the stopped traffic,” Calmelat explained. “There was no sign of it slowing down; instead, it plowed straight into another truck, crushing two cars in the process.”

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. More updates are expected as officials piece together the details of this catastrophic incident.

The scene of the deadly collision on the westbound 10 Freeway in Ontario, California on Oct. 21, 2025. (KTLA)
The scene of the deadly collision on the westbound 10 Freeway in Ontario, California on Oct. 21, 2025. (KTLA)
The scene of the deadly collision on the westbound 10 Freeway in Ontario, California on Oct. 21, 2025. (KTLA)

Sky5 footage from the scene showed four tractor trailers and four other vehicles were involved in the pileup, including one vehicle that was too badly charred and mangled to determine the make or model. In addition to three people who died, two other people were hospitalized with serious injuries.

The collision forced the closure of all westbound lanes of the 10 Freeway, except for FasTrak, causing extensive backups throughout the Inland Empire.

This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates.