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INDIO, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 6, 2026 — One person died and two others were hurt Monday evening, October 5, after a vehicle being chased by police went the wrong way on an Interstate 10 off-ramp in Indio, according to authorities. The wrong-way vehicle reportedly collided with another car, leading to the fatal crash.
A police pursuit was underway in the area when the fleeing vehicle entered the off-ramp traveling against traffic, investigators said. The vehicle struck another car head-on, according to the report, and the collision left one person dead.
Two other people suffered injuries in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been made public. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
When Wrong-Way Crashes on Freeways Are Most Likely to Happen
Wrong-way crashes cluster heavily in the hours after dark, especially late at night and into the early morning, when fewer drivers are on the road but speeds stay high. Ramps and off-ramps are common entry points because signage and lighting can be harder to read at night, and a driver who is impaired, disoriented, or fleeing a pursuit may not register the wrong-way signs at all.
Weekend nights see a higher share of these crashes than weekday afternoons, largely because of impaired driving patterns. A driver entering a freeway against traffic at highway speed gives oncoming vehicles little time to react, which is part of why these crashes are so often fatal regardless of when they happen.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, alcohol-impaired drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. Police pursuits add another layer of risk, since a fleeing driver may enter a ramp the wrong way to evade officers rather than by accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a wrong-way crash on a freeway?
Most wrong-way crashes happen when a driver enters an exit ramp or off-ramp traveling against the normal flow of traffic, often due to impairment, confusion, or in some cases an attempt to flee police.
Why are wrong-way collisions often so severe?
Because the vehicles are closing on each other from opposite directions, the combined speed at impact is much higher than in a typical rear-end or side-impact crash, which increases the chance of serious injury or death.
What time of day do these crashes happen most?
They occur more often at night and in the early morning hours, when visibility is lower and impaired driving is more common.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Indio, CA
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Do not attempt to render aid unless you are trained to do so and it is safe.
Anyone involved, even if injuries seem minor at first, should seek a medical evaluation, since some injuries from high-speed impacts are not immediately apparent. Cooperate with responding officers and provide a factual account of what you saw.
If you were a passenger or a driver involved in a crash connected to a police pursuit, file a report with the investigating agency and keep any documentation, including photos of the scene, in case it's needed later.
