The incident occurred just before 5:20 a.m. on 10 Freeway, east of Corn Springs Road, and involved two semi-trucks
Desert Center, CA – A 31-year-old Bell Gardens man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Desert Center early Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred shortly before 5:20 a.m. on Interstate 10 east of Corn Springs Road, and involved two semi-trucks
Investigators said a 63-year-old man was driving a big rig at approximately 50 mph. Behind him was another big rig, operated by the 31-year-old Bell Gardens driver, traveling about 55 mph. For some reason, the second big rig crashed into the rear of the first semi-truck.
Authorities said the impact caused the cab of the second big rig to dislodge from the frame.
The driver of the second big rig sustained major injuries in the crash and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment. The other truck driver was not injured in the collision.
Investigators said drugs and alcohol were not believed to be factors in the Desert Center crash. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
California Highway Patrol officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist the injured driver and investigate the crash.
The collision caused traffic disruptions along Interstate 10 near Corn Springs Road while crews worked to clear the damaged big rigs from the roadway.
The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.