Pomona, CA (March 22, 2025) – A wrong-way collision on the 60 Freeway late Saturday night, March 22, 2025, claimed the lives of two women and left a one-year-old child with major injuries.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 11:00 p.m. in the westbound lanes of the freeway, west of Reservoir Street. Authorities say Rick Rodriguez, 24, of Pomona, was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes when his vehicle collided head-on with a Honda Civic carrying three occupants.
The driver of the Civic, a 29-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 39-year-old woman, were both killed. A one-year-old child in the back seat suffered significant injuries and was taken to a hospital. Rodriguez’s vehicle then spun and struck a second car. That driver sustained minor injuries and was also hospitalized.
Rodriguez was transported to a hospital with severe injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Wrong-way collisions are often head-on and at high-speed, leaving little time for the victims to react and avoid impact. When a driver enters the freeway in the wrong direction, it raises serious legal questions about how and why it happened.
In many cases, driver intoxication is the leading factor. Alcohol or drug impairment can cause a driver to miss signs, make poor decisions, or become disoriented. Distraction or reckless driving may also play a role. In rare cases, improper road signage or lighting may contribute to a driver entering the wrong lanes, but that is something investigators must closely examine.
The California Highway Patrol will likely rely on toxicology reports, crash reconstruction, and witness statements to piece together the sequence of events. Investigators will also review any available freeway cameras, traffic data, and event data recorders from the involved vehicles.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, the families of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death claim. The child’s family may also be able to file a personal injury claim.
I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the two individuals who lost their lives in this accident. My thoughts are also with the injured child and their family, and I hope for the child’s full recovery.
Source: ABC 7