VIDEO: Big‑Rig HORROR Shuts Down Freeway!

A semitrailer lost control on Interstate 10 and crashed across the median into oncoming traffic, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries.

At a Glance

• A big rig veered across the center divider on I‑10 near Date Palm Drive before dawn.
• Two men died on scene and at least three others were injured in the multi‑car collision.
• The westbound semi‑truck overturned into eastbound lanes during morning rush.
• The crash closed all eastbound lanes until early afternoon as crews cleared the wreckage.
• The truck driver survived with injuries and showed no signs of impairment or mechanical failure.

Scene of the Crash

The fiery crash occurred just before 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, under clear skies near the Date Palm Drive exit in Cathedral City. Dashcam and highway surveillance video captured the terrifying moment a westbound semitrailer suddenly swerved into the breakdown lane, struck the center divider, and careened into eastbound lanes, igniting a multi‑vehicle pileup (abc7.com, kesq.com). California Highway Patrol investigators later confirmed the truck crossed the median with heavy impact before overturning.

Watch a report: Dramatic video captures deadly big rig crash in Coachella Valley.

Human Toll and Ongoing Investigation

Riverside County Coroner identified the victims as Francisco Sicairos Leon, 58, of Desert Hot Springs, and Miguel Macias, 49, of Santa Ana—both pronounced dead at the scene (kesq.com). At least three other motorists sustained varied injuries when multiple vehicles were struck. CHP spokesman Officer David Torres stated the truck driver, though injured, had no evidence of tire blowout, intoxication, or medical emergency at the time (kesq.com). Authorities have launched a full investigation into potential causes, including driver fatigue or vehicle malfunction.

Aftermath and Safety Implications

Eastbound lanes remained closed for investigation and cleanup until approximately 2:20 p.m., disrupting rush‑hour traffic (twitter.com, kesq.com). CHP officials warned drivers about the dangers of early‑morning long‑haul trucking and the risks of high‑speed median crossovers. This deadly incident echoes past freeway catastrophes in Southern California and has prompted calls for enhanced median barriers and increased enforcement of truck‑driver alertness standards.

Tragic crashes like this one underscore the need for immediate highway safety reviews and stricter oversight of heavy‑vehicle operators to prevent further loss of life.