Police probe woman’s death after medical transport crash

An 85-year-old woman died Tuesday, shortly after a non-emergency medical transport van was involved in a minor collision in which she did not appear to have been hurt, according to the Indio Police Department.

The van collided with a Nissan at the intersection of Laurel Gate and Clinton Avenue at about 11:30 a.m., according to Indio police Sgt. Daniel Marshall.

He said Bertha Ornelas of Indio appeared unhurt after the accident but was taken to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital as a precaution and was pronounced dead at the medical center a short time later.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted to determine the cause of her death.

Alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash and the drivers of both vehicles were cooperative with authorities, according to Marshall.

He didn’t know why Ornelas was being transported in the van or her destination prior to the crash.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will provide updates as more information becomes available.