At least two people died and others were injured after three separate big-rig crashes on Interstate 40 Thursday morning, the CHP reported. Eight tractor trailers were involved in three collisions in a six mile area between Fenner rest area and Essex Road in San Bernardino County, about 40 miles west of Needles.
The first collision, a solo vehicle accident, was reported at 1:20 a.m. on eastbound I-40 about two miles west of the Fenner rest stop near Essex (about 100 miles east of Barstow). One semi-truck overturned and the driver suffered a broken arm and other injuries.
The second collision, involving four tractor-trailers, occurred at 2:36 a.m. about a mile away from the initial crash. One of the big-rig trucks burst into flames and was completely burned. One of the truck drivers died in that collision.
The third collision was reported at 3:51 a.m. One of the truck drivers died in that collision; another suffered minor injuries.
The causes of the three June 10th I-40 tractor-trailer accidents remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. A San Bernardino County fire Dispatch supervisor said it did not appear that weather was a factor in the Interstate 40 accidents. More information will be updated as it becomes available.
my family and i drove past this horrible site early thursday morning. it's a site that we will never forget and we pray for those that were injured, those who lost their lives and those who will be scarred forever, as will we.
A great friend of ours passed away in one of these collisions, he left behind 2 young children and one on the way please keep them in your thoughts and prayers...
My Uncle lost his life senselessly. He was an amazing Uncle, Father, Brother, Husband and Friend and everyone loved him very much. Why after the initial accident were there no safety notifications out to alert drivers of the accident ahead? Attached is the CHP Mission Statement directly from their website.
The California Highway Patrol's Mission
MISSION STATEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California. This is accomplished through five departmental goals:
Prevent Loss of Life, Injuries, and Property Damage - To minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage resulting from traffic collisions through enforcement, education, and engineering. To enforce the provisions of the California Vehicle Code and other laws to prevent crime.
Maximize Service to the Public and Assistance to Allied Agencies - To maximize service to the public in need of aid or information, and to assist other public agencies when appropriate.
Manage Traffic and Emergency Incidents - To promote the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout California, and to minimize exposure of the public to unsafe conditions resulting from emergency incidents and highway impediments.
Protect Public and State Assets - To protect the public, their property, state employees, and the state's infrastructure. To collaborate with local, state, and federal public safety agencies to protect California.
Improve Departmental Efficiency - To continuously look for ways to increase the efficiency and/or effectiveness of departmental operations.
The CHP failed to follow their own mission statement and organizational goals...as a result two men are dead and several others injured...This is outrageous and should never have happened....
My condolences to the family members of Sergio Preciado, my blessings are with you through this difficult time.