Two People Killed In Fiery Crash

Two people died in a fiery crash involving a big rig and a car between Thermal and Mecca late Saturday night.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at the intersection of Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62 around 11:25 p.m.

A semi-truck carrying about 30,000 pounds of melons and lettuce was going northbound on Grapefruit Boulevard when it collided with a Hyundai sedan heading eastbound on Avenue 62, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Witnesses told patrol officers that the sedan failed to make a complete stop before moving into the intersection.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the big rig burst into flames after crashing into the passenger side of the sedan.

“The driver and passenger of the sedan were pronounced deceased at the scene,” California Highway Patrol officer Miguel Guerrero said.

However, Guerrero added that the accident is still under investigation and pending a coroner’s report.

“Alcohol is suspected to have been a factor,” California Highway Patrol officer Joe Zagorski said.

The driver of the big rig, 49-year-old Samuel Garcia, managed to escape uninjured, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The two victims have not yet been identified.