Motorist Seriously Injured In Big Rig Crash On 10 Freeway In Riverside County

DESERT CENTER, CA — A 31-year-old motorist sustained major injuries Friday in a two-vehicle collision involving two big rigs on Interstate 10 in Desert Center.

The crash was reported shortly before 5:20 a.m. Friday east of Corn Springs Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said a big rig, driven by a 63-year-old man, was traveling about 50 mph when he was rear-ended by another big rig traveling at a stated speed of 55 mph. The impact caused the cab of the second big rig to dislodge from the frame.

A motorist, identified as 31-year-old man from Bell Gardens, was flown via helicopter to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. The other motorist was not injured.

Alcohol and/or drugs was not found to be a factor in the crash, the CHP stated.

A possible cause of the collision was stated as fatigue from the injured motorist.

Eastbound lanes were temporarily closed for several hours.