Woman and 2 children killed in head-on crash on 15 Freeway in rainy San Bernardino County desert

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a tragic head-on collision occurred on the 15 Freeway in the rainy San Bernardino County desert, resulting in the deaths of a woman and two children. The incident took place during heavy rainfall conditions, making the roads particularly treacherous.

The unfortunate incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on a weekday afternoon. The driver of a Kia sedan, identified as a 33-year-old woman from Hesperia, California, was traveling southbound on the 15 Freeway near the Mojave River Bridge area. As she drove through the heavy rain, her vehicle began to hydroplane – a condition where a vehicle loses traction due to excessive water on the road – causing it to spin out of control.

As the Kia spun out of control, it veered across the median dividing the north and southbound lanes, colliding head-on with a northbound Toyota Camry carrying a family from Los Angeles. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in the tragic deaths of the woman behind the wheel of the Kia, as well as a young boy and girl who were passengers in her vehicle.

The Los Angeles family, consisting of three adults and three children, were rushed to nearby hospitals with various injuries. The adults sustained moderate injuries, while the remaining children were reportedly in critical condition.

CHP officials stated that the rainy conditions were a significant factor in the accident, making the roads slippery and hazardous for drivers. They urged motorists to exercise caution while driving during inclement weather, emphasizing the importance of reducing speeds, increasing following distances, and avoiding sudden lane changes or hard braking.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with CHP officers working diligently to gather all available evidence and information to determine the exact cause of the collision. The identities of those involved have not been released at this time, out of respect for the families' privacy during this difficult time.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, especially during adverse weather conditions. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this unfortunate accident.