SAN BERNARDINO, CA – A devastating motor vehicle collision (MVC) in San Bernardino has resulted in two confirmed fatalities and two individuals in critical condition. The tragic crash, which occurred late Thursday evening, has prompted an extensive emergency response as authorities investigate the cause of the incident.

Incident Overview

The collision took place at approximately 9:45 PM near the intersection of E. Highland Avenue and Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino. The two-vehicle crash involved a black Dodge Charger and a silver Toyota Camry, both of which sustained severe damage upon impact.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash followed by smoke and debris scattering across the roadway. Emergency calls flooded 911 dispatch centers as bystanders rushed to provide aid to the victims trapped inside the mangled vehicles.

Casualties and Injuries

San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) officials have confirmed the following casualties:

• Two fatalities – One male driver from the Charger and a female passenger from the Camry were pronounced dead at the scene.
• Two critically injured victims – A 22-year-old male and a 19-year-old female were extricated from the wreckage and rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center for urgent medical treatment.

Due to the severity of their injuries, two medical evacuation helicopters (medevacs) were deployed to airlift the victims to nearby trauma centers for specialized care.

Emergency Response

Multiple emergency response units, including San Bernardino Fire Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol (CHP), were dispatched to the crash site. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extricate the trapped victims using specialized hydraulic rescue tools, commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life.”

Traffic in the surrounding area has been completely shut down as accident reconstruction teams analyze the crash scene to determine the cause and potential contributing factors.

Investigation and Possible Causes

While authorities are still in the early stages of their investigation, preliminary reports suggest that speed and reckless driving may have played a role in the crash. Witnesses claim that the Dodge Charger was traveling at a high speed moments before colliding with the Toyota Camry. Investigators are also examining whether alcohol or drug impairment was a factor.

The SBPD Traffic Collision Unit has taken over the investigation and will be reviewing traffic camera footage, skid marks, and other forensic evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the deadly impact.

Witness Accounts

Several eyewitnesses have provided chilling descriptions of the incident:

Maria Gonzalez, 42, who was driving home when she witnessed the crash, described the scene as “something out of a nightmare.”

“I was at the stoplight when I saw this black car speeding past me. The next thing I knew, there was this horrifying sound of metal crunching, and suddenly, smoke was everywhere. People were screaming, and we all ran to help, but the damage was too severe.”

Another bystander, James Holloway, 33, who lives near the intersection, mentioned hearing what sounded like an explosion before running outside.

“I grabbed my phone and called 911 right away. There was a woman trapped in one of the cars—she wasn’t moving. I tried to get her door open, but it was completely jammed.”

Road Closures and Traffic Advisory

As a result of the crash, traffic along E. Highland Avenue has been rerouted, and authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area while cleanup and investigation efforts continue. Caltrans crews are assisting with debris removal to restore traffic flow as soon as possible.

Community Response

The tragedy has left the San Bernardino community in mourning. Local residents and advocacy groups have called for increased traffic safety enforcement measures, citing a concerning rise in fatal crashes in recent months.

Mayor Helen Tran released a statement expressing her condolences to the victims’ families:

“This is an unspeakable tragedy that has deeply impacted our community. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives and to the injured victims fighting to recover. We must work together to improve road safety and prevent further heartbreaking incidents like this.”

Legal Ramifications

If investigators determine that excessive speed, reckless driving, or DUI were factors in the crash, criminal charges could be filed. Potential charges may include vehicular manslaughter, gross negligence, or DUI-related homicide, depending on the findings of the investigation.

SBPD is asking anyone with additional information or dashcam footage of the crash to contact the Traffic Collision Investigation Unit at (909) 384-5664.

Final Thoughts

As authorities work tirelessly to piece together the circumstances of this tragic event, the community is left grieving for the lives lost and hoping for the recovery of the injured victims. This accident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe and responsible driving.

Further updates will be provided as more details emerge in the ongoing investigation.