One dead in big rig crash
One man is dead and another is in critical condition after an SUV rear-ended a big rig early Monday, according to California Highway Patrol.
The accident happened just before 4 a.m. on the westbound I10 at Whitewater.
Police say the SUV driver, Samuel Felix, a 33 year old resident of Calipatria, failed to stop, ramming into the back of a big rig. Police say Felix was driving in excess of 70 miles per hour at the time of the crash.
Police say Felix was driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
The passenger, a 62 year old male, also from Calipatria, was pronounced dead at the scene. The relationship between Felix and the passenger is unknown.
The driver of theSUV was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. No one in the big rig was hurt.
Lanes were closed in the area for three hours.
