A passenger was killed in a fiery crash on the Pomona (60) Freeway in Riverside early Saturday morning, April 26, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. on the westbound 60 Freeway between La Rue Street and Rubidoux Boulevard.
Nineteen-year-old Angel C. of Riverside was driving a Mercedes 300 when the vehicle lost control, struck the center divider, then crossed all lanes and hit a tree.
The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire. Good Samaritans were able to rescue the driver from the burning car, but the front-seat passenger, who was unconscious, could not be pulled out in time. The Riverside County Fire Department later extinguished the fire and found the victim deceased in the front seat.
The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was determined to be intoxicated, according to CHP. He was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder and DUI resulting in great bodily injury and booked into the Robert Presley Jail. He is being held on $1 million bail.
The case is under review by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The crash remains under investigation.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
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.