One person was killed and a big rig driver was injured early Sunday morning after a wrong-way vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the Riverside Freeway triggered a devastating chain-reaction crash involving at least five other vehicles in Corona. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene on the westbound 91 Freeway at the Green River Road off-ramp at approximately 5:35 a.m. on April 19, 2026.
What Happened
According to the California Highway Patrol, a vehicle — believed to be a black Ford F-150 pickup truck — was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway at the Green River Road off-ramp when it triggered a collision involving at least five other vehicles, including a big rig. A Sigalert was issued at 5:56 a.m. closing all westbound lanes for investigation and emergency response. The Riverside County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene at 6:22 a.m. The Sigalert was canceled at 9:25 a.m. once lanes were reopened. The cause of the wrong-way driving remains under investigation by the CHP.
Emergency Response and Investigation
CHP officers and emergency personnel responded immediately to the westbound 91 Freeway at Green River Road following the crash. The driver of the big rig involved in the crash was transported to Corona Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. All westbound lanes were closed for several hours while investigators documented the scene and cleared the wreckage. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol.
Injuries and Community Impact
One person was killed in the crash — their identity was not immediately released pending next-of-kin notification. The big rig driver was taken to Corona Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. The crash closed all westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway near Green River Road for nearly four hours on a Sunday morning, causing significant backup along one of Southern California’s most heavily traveled commuter corridors connecting the Inland Empire to Orange County.
Understanding Legal Rights After a Wrong-Way Driver Crash
Crashes caused by wrong-way drivers represent some of the clearest cases of negligence in personal injury law. A driver traveling in the wrong direction on a freeway poses an extreme and foreseeable danger to every vehicle in their path. In California, the victims of wrong-way collisions — and the families of those killed — have the right to pursue a civil claim against the at-fault driver for all resulting damages. These can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages for surviving family members. Evidence from wrong-way crashes often includes surveillance footage, 911 call records, witness accounts, and vehicle black box data — all of which can be critical to building a strong case. An experienced car accident attorney can move quickly to preserve that evidence and ensure the at-fault driver is held fully accountable.
If you or your family were affected by this crash or any serious collision on the 91 Freeway or throughout the Corona and Inland Empire area, our Moreno Valley office is ready to help you pursue the justice you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation — our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee unless we win your case.
Nearest Office: Moreno Valley, CA Phone: 714-714-7100
Source: My News LA
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Crockett Law Group of any inaccuracies you identify. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
