Head-On SR-79 Injury Crash Slows Pass Area Travel: CHP

BEAUMONT, CA—The California Highway Patrol reported that four cars collided on northbound State Route 79 near Lamb Canyon Road Tuesday morning. Initial CHP reports that road rage played a factor; however, Officer Jason Montez told Patch that was not the case.

One man was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital with minor to moderate injuries, CHP officer Jason Montez told Patch. Another person complained of pain as a result of the crash, but they were not hospitalized, according to reports.

At 10 a.m., emergency responders were called to the scene at northbound Beaumont Avenue (SR-79), just south of the Lamb Canyon County Landfill, where a gray Toyota Camry crossed from southbound into northbound lanes. According to Montez, the Camry struck a red Ford F-150, a white Ford F-150, and a black Toyota Corolla.

"It's unknown if alcohol or drugs played a factor," Montez said, advising that an officer was on his way to interview the Camry driver at the hospital.

Witnesses told CHP dispatch operators that multiple vehicles collided, and at least one vehicle had airbags deployed.

Details of the crash and injuries were still unfolding as of this report, and traffic through the area was at a near standstill northbound as of 11:15 a.m., according to CHP officers.

Tow trucks were called to the scene to remove a large vehicle that was blocking lanes.

If you have an alternative through that area, you are advised to seek alternate routes, CHP said.