ONTARIO, Calif. — A tragic crash on the 10 Freeway in Ontario on Tuesday afternoon has left three people dead and two others hospitalized with serious injuries, according to authorities. A 21-year-old truck driver has been arrested in connection with the incident, which involved multiple tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash occurred just after 1:00 p.m. near the Haven Avenue exit. The truck driver reportedly failed to slow down as traffic came to a stop, striking a line of vehicles and causing a chain-reaction collision involving four other tractor-trailers and four passenger vehicles.
Eyewitness Jason Calmelat described the terrifying scene:
“The red truck was moving at a high rate of speed while everyone else was stopped. It didn’t try to slow down — it hit another truck full force and pushed two cars ahead. There was even an explosion after the impact. It was horrifying.”
Emergency responders arrived quickly, finding several vehicles heavily damaged and fires ignited by the collision. Three victims were pronounced deceased at the scene, while two others were taken to local hospitals with serious injuries.
The 21-year-old truck driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) and booked into the West Valley Detention Center. His name has not been released pending further investigation.
Traffic on the eastbound 10 Freeway was closed for several hours as crews cleared debris and conducted a detailed investigation. Westbound traffic also slowed as motorists passed the scene.
Authorities are working to identify the victims and notify their families. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is coordinating with CHP and hospitals to provide support to families affected by the crash.
“This was a catastrophic collision with tragic consequences,” said CHP Officer Miguel Gonzalez. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those impacted by this incident. We are fully committed to investigating the factors that led to this crash.”
The crash has also sparked renewed attention on commercial vehicle safety, including speed management, driver alertness, and the importance of following traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
Community members have begun leaving flowers, candles, and messages near the site of the crash to honor those whose lives were lost and to support those recovering.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact the California Highway Patrol Inland Division at (909) 839-2000.
In Loving Memory of the Victims of the Ontario 10 Freeway Crash
Though their lives were tragically cut short, their memory will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and the community.