Families of two killed in 2016 Desert Hot Springs crash sue city

The families of a man and woman fatally injured in a Desert Hot Springs crash last year, along with a survivor, are suing the city, alleging the roadway where the accident occurred was not properly maintained.

Representatives from the city could not immediately be reached for comment on the lawsuit filed on behalf of family members of Richard Contreras and Alicia Salazar.

Also named as a plaintiff is a woman named Angie Villegas, who suffered “severe physical injuries” in the three-vehicle crash that occurred just after 7 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2016, on Mission Lakes Boulevard, west of Sonora Drive, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit blames the “design, construction and maintenance of the road” for the crash. Alleged dangerous conditions include a “lack of reasonable barriers,” the roadway narrowing from two lanes to one, and lack of lighting and traffic control devices, according to the complaint.