El Centro, CA (April 22, 2025) – Emergency responders were called to a serious crash involving a big rig and a Toyota Corolla that resulted in a hazardous diesel spill and injuries along State Route 98 near Menvielle Rd, just west of El Centro.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 PM when a collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle blocked both eastbound and westbound lanes. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the big rig began leaking diesel onto the dirt shoulder near a canal approximately 20 feet away, raising immediate environmental concerns. Emergency medical services arrived promptly and provided care to at least one individual who sustained injuries to their hands during the crash.
El Centro Fire Department and Imperial County Sheriff’s Office were among the agencies that responded to the scene. Authorities confirmed that medics were actively assisting the injured, while crews from the U.S. Border Patrol attempted to mitigate the diesel spill by applying dirt around the area to prevent contamination of nearby water sources. Hazmat teams were also dispatched, with coordination ongoing between Caltrans and CHP regarding whether to deploy a contractor for cleanup.
As of the latest update at 3:15 PM, authorities confirmed that clean-up efforts were underway and no additional injuries had been reported. The eastbound lane remained blocked approximately one mile east of Menvielle Rd as emergency teams worked to manage the fuel leak and remove the damaged vehicles. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash and assess any further environmental impact.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved, and we hope for a full and swift recovery for the injured.
Big Rig Accidents in California
Collisions involving large commercial vehicles, such as the one reported today on SR98, are a pressing concern across California’s roadways. These accidents often result in severe injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and, in cases like this, hazardous material spills that can threaten both public health and environmental safety.
California’s road network, particularly in regions like Imperial County, sees significant freight traffic due to its proximity to major agricultural and international trade routes. When incidents occur in rural stretches or near waterways—as was the case here—they can escalate rapidly due to delayed access to specialized emergency resources such as hazmat crews.
In today’s crash, the rapid deployment of paramedics and coordinated inter-agency efforts helped contain what could have become a more critical environmental hazard. However, this situation underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials and ensuring drivers are well-equipped to handle emergencies.
The involvement of agencies like Caltrans and the U.S. Border Patrol in providing stop-gap containment strategies is a testament to the complexity of modern accident response systems in California. It also illustrates the layered nature of emergency management when incidents occur near sensitive zones like irrigation canals or agricultural zones.
Drivers operating in and around El Centro and similar corridors should remain especially cautious around freight traffic. Efforts to prevent similar accidents can include enhanced training for commercial drivers, routine vehicle inspections, and continued investment in infrastructure improvements.
If you or someone you know was impacted by this incident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the resources available to you. Whether dealing with injury recovery, vehicle damage, or environmental clean-up, timely legal and medical support is key.
If you’ve been affected by a commercial vehicle accident, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect you with trusted resources, compassionate support, and essential information to guide your recovery.
