2 airlifted to hospital with major injuries after I-10 crash
The California Highway Patrol released more details regarding a crash on eastbound I-10 that resulted in two people being airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center with major injuries Tuesday morning.
Officer Mike Radford said the crash happened at about 10:51 a.m. in Desert Center, east of Frontage Road.
According to Officer Radford’s release, 71-year-old Marina Aldana of Phoenix, Arizona was driving a 1999 Pontiac Gran Prix westbound on I-10 in the left lane, east of Frontage Road.
Cameron Durry, a 24-year-old man from San Manuel, Arizona was driving a 2007 Dodge Charger eastbound on I-10 in the left lane, approaching the Pontiac. For unknown reasons, the Pontiac traveled to the left, across the center divider and into the eastbound lanes. Authorities said Curry steered the Dodge to the right, but the front of the Pontiac struck the left rear of the Dodge in the eastbound right lane. After the initial impact, the Dodge overturned on the right shoulder of eastbound I-10 eastbound.
Both vehicles sustained major damage in the crash.
Officer Radford said five people were in the Dodge during the crash. The right front passenger, a 31-year-old female from San Manuel, was ejected and transported to Desert Regional Medical Center by CHP helicopter with moderate injuries.
Curry was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center by Mercy Air helicopter with minor injuries. The other three passengers in the Dodge sustained minor injuries and weren’t transported to the hospital.
Aldana wasn’t hurt during the collision.
Officer Radford said the crash is under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the collision.
Eastbound traffic on I-10 was stopped in the area while emergency crews cleared the scene. CHP reported the road was back open at 12:11 p.m.
A viewer, who was stuck in the gridlock, sent us video Tuesday afternoon of the final helicopter lifting off from the interstate as all eastbound lanes were reopened.
News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will have more information as the investigation moves forward.
