A preliminary investigation shows that three vehicles collided near the intersection and at least two of them burst into flames
San Bernardino, CA – Two drivers were killed and a third injured in a fiery multi-vehicle collision at an intersection in San Bernardino on Wednesday morning.
According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, crews responded at around 7:15 a.m. January 14, to the collision in the area of Highland and Del Rosa avenues.
At the scene, emergency responders found three drivers trapped in their vehicles. A preliminary investigation shows that three vehicles collided near the intersection and at least two of them burst into flames.
Firefighters worked to put out the flames and extricated the drivers from the wreckage.
Two of the drivers were determined to be deceased at the scene. The third driver, a female, was transported by medics to a hospital with minor injuries.
Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased motorists.
The intersection was shut down for an unspecified period of time while crews worked at the scene. Authorities are actively conducting an investigation to find out what led up to the accident.
In 2024, San Bernardino County recorded approximately 14,615 people injured or killed in vehicle collisions, a slight decline from previous years. Still, the county maintains a high fatality rate per capita compared to other Southern California counties. This rate of 17.22 deaths per 100,000 residents is more than double that of larger counties like Los Angeles and San Diego, suggesting that residents in less densely populated areas of the county face a greater individual risk on the road. While the overall per capita rate of crash victims has been on a modest downward trend since 2015, the data highlights specific areas of concern. For instance, despite a decrease in overall pedestrian injuries and fatalities in 2023 and 2024, the rate of cyclist victims has continued to increase, reaching a 10-year high. In recent years (2022-2024), cyclists and pedestrians accounted for 6% of all traffic collisions. In 2021 specifically, San Bernardino County was ranked high in California for several collision types, including total fatal and injury collisions, alcohol-involved incidents, and pedestrian-involved crashes. The county's geography, which includes major interstates like I-10, I-15, and I-215 that experience heavy congestion and extreme weather conditions, contributes to the challenging traffic safety landscape.
Legal Help After a Car Accident
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car crash on a San Bernardino roadway, you may have legal options. A San Bernardino car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help ensure your rights are protected while the investigation continues.