CALIMESA: Reckless driver plows into big-rig, trapped inside burning vehicle

CALIMESA — Rescue efforts are underway after a pickup truck plowed in to the back of a tractor-trailer big-rig and burst into flames, early this morning, Friday, Apr. 27. The fiery wreck, which trapped the pickup’s driver, happened on the Calimesa Boulevard off-ramp, along eastbound Interstate 10.

The incident began about 1:21 a.m., when several motorists called 911 to report a reckless, possibly intoxicated driver who was driving erratically. At one point 911 callers reported that the driver had come to a complete stop in the number 1 “fast” lane of eastbound I-10, near Alabama Street in Redlands.

According to a CHP Incident Log, 911 callers reported numerous near collisions, but said the white, Ford pickup truck was not involved in an accident at that point. Callers soon updated that the driver eventually continued driving.

As the pickup was nearing Oak Glen Drive in Yucaipa, 911 callers reported that between four to five vehicles were following a safe distance behind the now speeding pickup. Although several callers reported losing sight of reckless driver, others advised that many of those vehicles were still following the truck were driving with their emergency flashers on – possibly in an attempt to warn other drivers of the potential danger.

At 1:35 a.m., about 14 minutes after receiving the first 911 calls regarding the reckless driver, 911 callers updated that the pickup had sped off the freeway at the Calimesa Boulevard off-ramp and plowed full speed into the back of big-rig.

One 911 caller reported seeing a bright light and explosion and said it appeared that one of the two vehicles was possibly on fire. Moments later, CHP began receiving additional numerous reports of the collision and many callers confirmed to emergency dispatchers that the Ford had burst into flames when it smashed into the tractor-trailer. Callers also reported that a man was trapped inside the wreckage of the burning vehicle.

At 1:48 a.m., just fourteen minutes after the fiery wreck was first reported, firefighter’s managed to knock down the flames and officials at the scene reported they were beginning efforts to cut the truck apart to rescue the injured driver from his wrecked and fire-destroyed truck.

Officials have not yet specified if the pickup truck driver was injured or killed in the fiery wreck, but based on the CHP log, the victim was trapped inside the burning truck for nearly 15 minutes.

During their investigation, CHP called for the temporary closure of the eastbound Calimesa Road off-ramp. The exit remained closed for about an hour and was re-opened around 3 a.m., once rescue personnel cleared the scene and the wrecked and fire-damaged pickup truck was towed from the scene.

None of the involved agencies have released any information regarding this crash and investigation, which is active and ongoing.

This is a developing story that will be updated if new information becomes available.

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 46, recently moved to Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.