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1300+Two people died early Sunday morning when a minivan crashed into the back of a semi-truck trailer on the eastbound 210 Freeway in Rialto on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating the crash.
What Happened on the 210 Freeway
The collision was reported around 2:37 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, near Riverside Avenue. Officers arrived to find a red Honda minivan wedged beneath the rear of the trailer.
Early reports indicate the semi had pulled onto the right shoulder when the minivan struck it. Dispatch information also suggested four people were inside the minivan.
Two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics took the van’s driver and another passenger to a hospital, and their conditions have not been released. The names of those who died have not been made public.
Traffic Impact
All lanes were stopped during the emergency response, and a SigAlert was issued shortly before 3 a.m. Dispatch logs show the freeway fully reopened by about 7:49 a.m.
What Investigators Still Need to Determine
CHP has not said what caused the crash, how fast the minivan was traveling, or why the semi was stopped on the shoulder. The trucking company involved has not been identified.
Investigators typically review the scene, vehicle damage, and any available video or electronic data to piece together what happened. That work can take weeks.
One survivor was reportedly taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. That detail is preliminary, and the investigation remains open.
Why Underride Crashes Are So Dangerous
When a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer, the impact can bypass the front crumple zone and reach the occupants at windshield or roof level. Most large trailers are required to have rear underride guards for this reason.
Federal safety rules also expect commercial drivers who stop along a roadway to use hazard lights and, in many cases, warning devices such as reflective triangles. Whether any of that applied here is something the investigation will need to answer.
Legal Options After a Fatal Freeway Crash
Fault has not been determined, and it can be shared among several parties. Depending on what investigators find, claims may involve another driver, a vehicle owner, or a trucking company. California follows comparative negligence rules, so each party’s share of responsibility can affect compensation.
Certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim after a fatal crash. In California, wrongful death and personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years, so acting early helps preserve evidence.
Useful evidence can include the CHP report, scene photos, the truck’s inspection and maintenance records, driver logs, and any dashcam or traffic camera footage.
Families dealing with a loss like this should not have to sort through insurance companies alone. An experienced truck accident lawyer serving San Bernardino County can investigate the crash, identify every liable party, and handle communication with insurers.
Help for Inland Empire Crash Victims
The personal injury attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer represent injured victims and grieving families across California. Contact the location nearest you today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We have law offices conveniently located throughout California, Arizona, and Texas.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.