Big rig crash kills three construction workers in Blythe

BLYTHE (CNS) - Three construction workers were killed today in a four-vehicle collision involving a big rig on Interstate 10 in Blythe.

The crash was reported about 5:17 a.m. Friday on eastbound I-10 east of Intake Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A preliminary investigation determined the big rig was traveling east at an unknown speed when it struck a parked attenuator construction vehicle and an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado before colliding with a water truck, the CHP said.

``During the sequence of events, three construction workers were also struck and sustained fatal injuries,'' the department said.

The big rig driver, identified as a 44-year-old Redlands man, suffered severe injuries to his head and leg and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, according to the CHP.

Alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors in the collision, the agency said.

A SigAlert was issued shortly before 6 a.m. for the eastbound lanes, which were closed for cleanup and the investigation. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes and avoid the area.

The cause of the collision remained under investigation.