Fatal Crash on 10 Freeway in Fontana Amid Southern California Storm

FONTANA, Calif. – A driver was killed Monday on Interstate 10 when their vehicle lost control and spun out in Fontana, located in San Bernardino County, amid a fierce storm that has wreaked havoc across Southern California.

The California Highway Patrol reported the crash at 5:14 a.m. on the 10 west, between Cypress and Citrus Avenues in Fontana, February 5, 2024

Following the collision, the driver became trapped within the vehicle. Emergency response teams from the San Bernardino County Fire, AMR, and the California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene, where despite life-saving measures, the driver was declared dead.

The crash happened on the right shoulder of the freeway, according to CHP logs. The driver has not been identified.

The extensive emergency response underscores the lethal potential of the ongoing storm, which has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. The proclamation is a move to support storm response and facilitate recovery operations, ensuring resources are readily available to cope with the destructive impact.

Governor Newsom visited the State Operations Center near Sacramento earlier for an update on the developing situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the storm and its life-threatening implications. California has rallied an unprecedented number of prepositioned emergency response assets, signaling a state poised to deal with any eventualities the storm may present.

Residents are urged to exercise caution and heed local officials' emergency orders and alerts. In an effort to promote safety and preparedness, the state administration has shared a list of actionable steps:

1. Stay connected: Keep communication lines open and make use of the resources like 311 for assistance, and 911 in case of urgent emergencies.
2. Get your information from trusted sources: Rely on verified information from government agencies, recognized media, and informed local sources.
3. Prepare for high winds: Take all necessary precautions to limit the risks associated with high winds, such as securing loose belongings and staying away from windows during the event.
4. Travel safely: Non-essential travel should be avoided, especially during the storm peak. For crucial travel, stay informed about road conditions and be mindful of the risks posed by floodwaters.
5. Be ready for power outages: Prepare by charging devices and having a supply of batteries and alternative power sources like a power bank or portable charger.

To delve deeper into the recommendations and access additional resources, including tips on how to navigate storm season safely and a text message course on storm preparedness, residents can use the provided links.

The collision on Interstate 10 serves as a poignant reminder of the storm's danger, and authorities are diligently emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and vigilance during what has become a challenging time for the region.

Driver killed in vehicle crash during California storm in FontanaPhoto byCHP LOGS