A devastating crash on U.S. Highway 395 near Adelanto, California, left one person dead and two others critically injured Sunday afternoon after a two-vehicle collision sparked a massive vehicle fire. Emergency crews responded to a chaotic scene involving multiple patients and a fully engulfed SUV.
Fire Erupts After Two-Vehicle Collision
According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, firefighters responded around 12:11 p.m. to reports of a traffic collision with fire and multiple injuries on the southbound side of Highway 395, just south of Shadow Mountain Road.
Upon arriving, crews found a Land Rover SUV completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately began extinguishing the fire while paramedics treated the injured.
Good Samaritans Help Rescue Occupant
Witnesses told authorities that two good Samaritans stopped at the scene before emergency crews arrived and helped pull a male occupant from the burning vehicle. Their quick actions may have prevented additional fatalities.
Six Patients Involved, One Pronounced Dead
Officials confirmed that six people were involved in the crash:
- One person died at the scene
- Two patients suffered critical, life-threatening injuries and were classified as “immediates”
- Three others sustained less severe injuries and were listed as “delayed”
Two medical helicopters were dispatched and transported the critically injured patients to local trauma centers. The emergency response included:
- Three fire engines
- Two medical airships
- One battalion chief
- Three ground ambulances
Highway 395 Temporarily Shut Down
At 1:04 p.m., authorities issued a SigAlert for both northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 395. The roadway closure was expected to remain in place for at least an hour as crews worked to extinguish the fire, treat the injured, and clear the scene.
CHP Investigating Crash Cause
The California Highway Patrol is investigating what led to the deadly collision. No additional details have been released.
Summary
A fiery two-vehicle crash on Highway 395 near Adelanto resulted in one death and multiple injuries Sunday afternoon. Good Samaritans helped rescue a man from a burning vehicle, while firefighters and paramedics responded with air and ground units. The highway was temporarily shut down as authorities investigated the scene. Stay updated with breaking news, traffic alerts, and emergency developments at HonkNews.com.