The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Rose Eden Drive at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, the CHP Morongo Basin Station reported.
Morongo Valley, CA – One person was killed and several others, including young children, were injured after two vehicles collided on Highway 62 in Morongo Valley Friday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Rose Eden Drive at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, the CHP Morongo Basin Station reported.
Investigators said the incident involved two vehicles traveling through the intersection. First responders found several people outside the vehicles, and one child was found sitting next to a vehicle on the right shoulder. One of the involved vehicles was missing a tire due to the force of the crash.
As per the CHP, all involved parties, including young children, involved in the crash were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. One of the victims succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at about 3:19 p.m. at the hospital.
The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner identified the deceased as Ivy Fitzgerald, a 67-year-old woman from Joshua Tree. No arrests have been reported at this time.
Emergency responders from CAL FIRE and the California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene shortly after the 911 calls. Paramedics provided immediate aid to the injured parties before coordinating their transport to the hospital.
The crash impacted eastbound traffic on Highway 62 for several hours. The number two lane remained closed while crews worked to recover the vehicles and clear debris. All lanes were reopened at about 4:15 p.m. the same day.
The fatal incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol – Morongo Basin Station.