[04-09-2026] Imperial County, CA – Two Killed, One Critically Injured in Head-On Collision on SR-98

A violent head-on collision on State Route 98 in Imperial County left two men dead and a woman critically injured early Thursday morning, April 9, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 5:32 a.m. west of Mount Signal Road. 

Investigators report that a 34-year-old man was traveling eastbound in a 2007 Hyundai Elantra when his vehicle collided with a westbound 2001 Toyota Camry driven by a 25-year-old man. 

Both drivers were killed in the crash. Their identities have not been released pending notification of next of kin. A deputy coroner from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office responded to transport the deceased to the county morgue.

A 34-year-old female passenger in the Hyundai sustained major injuries and was airlifted by REACH air ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The CHP noted a stark contrast in safety precautions: both the Hyundai driver and passenger were properly restrained, while the Toyota driver was not wearing a seatbelt. 

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, and authorities have not determined the vehicles’ speeds or whether impairment was a factor.

The investigation remains ongoing.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.