2nd Fatal Crash in Storm: San Bernardino Man Drowns on I-10 After Crashing into Ditch

Man loses control during stormy weather on 1-10 Freeway in San Bernardino County, California. He died after drowning in a ditch.Photo byGoogle Maps

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. – Tragedy struck again on the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino County as another fatal crash was reported during the treacherous storm that has been ravaging Southern California.

This incident marks the second deadly accident on this freeway within a short span, underscoring the hazardous driving conditions brought on by the severe weather.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the most recent crash, which occurred on February 5, 2024.

At about 2:37 p.m., dispatchers received a distressing call about a vehicle that had veered off the road.

Responding officers found a blue 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup down an embankment, with its cabin submerged in water near the intersection of I-10 westbound and Live Oak Canyon Road in Yucaipa.

The vehicle was on its side against a chain-link fence, prompting immediate responses from several parties and good Samaritans attempting to assist at the scene.

CHP logs reported that At 2:42 PM, concerned citizens and good Samaritans were reportedly trying to roll the vehicle back onto its wheels, however, they noted that the driver was fully submerged in water for several minutes.

The circumstances leading to the driver—a 69-year-old male from San Bernardino—losing control, overturning, and rolling down the embankment are still being determined. Despite being rushed to a local hospital with significant injuries, he tragically succumbed to those injuries.

Authorities are withholding the name of the deceased until the San Bernardino County Coroner’s office completes the identification process and notifies the next of kin.

Earlier the same day, a similar incident unfolded on the same freeway within the city limits of Fontana.

At approximately 5:14 a.m., amid the chaos of the storm, a vehicle spiraled out of control and spun out on I-10 west, just east of Avenue in Fontana.

The driver became entrapped, and despite the immediate response and resuscitation attempts by teams from San Bernardino County Fire, AMR, and the California Highway Patrol, the driver's life could not be saved. The identity of the victim in this earlier crash has not yet been released as officials continue their inquiries.

These concurrent accidents bring to light the perilous conditions drivers are facing. Local authorities are working hard to understand the chain of events leading to these tragic outcomes.

For anyone who might have any information regarding the collision in Fontana, Officer Ulloa from the San Bernardino CHP Office is open to contact at [(909) 383-4247](tel:(909) 383-4247).

The California Highway Patrol urges drivers to exercise extreme caution during this time and to keep abreast of weather advisories.

Both accidents remain under exhaustive investigations, with further details pending.

For additional information on the earlier crash, you can visit the following article: Driver Killed on 10 Freeway After Spin-Out in Fontana During Southern California Storm.