Coroner IDs people killed in Cathedral City I-10 big rig crash, four others injured
María García
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities have identified the two men killed in Thursday morning’s deadly big rig crash on Interstate 10 in Cathedral City.
According to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office, the victims are Francisco Sicairos Leon, 58, of Desert Hot Springs, and Miguel Macias, 49, of Santa Ana. Police said one of the people killed in the crash was in the rear passenger seat without a seatbelt.
Both men died at the scene after a westbound semi-truck veered across the center divider and overturned into eastbound lanes near Date Palm Drive around 6:40 a.m., crashing into five vehicles.
CHP Officer David Torres confirmed Friday morning that the driver of the big rig was badly injured but did survive. Torres said the driver did not suffer a medical emergency, did not have a blown-out tire, and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
Investigators are still working to determine why the truck swerved into oncoming traffic.
CHP revealed on Friday that three people suffered major injuries. Two other people were involved in the crash but were not hospitalized.
The crash blocked all eastbound lanes and led to a multi-vehicle collision. Several other people were injured, though the number and severity of injuries have not been confirmed.
By 9:00 a.m., lanes 1 and 2 reopened, but full access wasn’t restored until 2:20 p.m. as CHP officers investigated and crews cleared the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Stay with News Channel 3 on-air and online for live updates.