Pomona, CA (March 25, 2025) – A devastating wrong-way collision on the 60 Freeway Saturday night claimed the lives of two women and left a young child seriously injured. The crash, which involved a suspected drunk driver, occurred around 11:00 p.m. on the westbound side of the freeway near Reservoir Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators say 24-year-old Rick Rodriguez of Pomona was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes when he collided head-on with a Honda Civic carrying three people. The impact was violent, killing both adult occupants of the Civic—a 29-year-old driver and a 39-year-old passenger—at the scene. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
A 1-year-old child who was also in the Civic was rushed to a nearby hospital with major injuries. After the initial collision, Rodriguez’s vehicle spun out and struck a third car, whose occupant sustained minor injuries and was also transported for treatment.
Rodriguez was hospitalized with serious injuries. Authorities confirmed he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The crash prompted the closure of multiple westbound lanes on the 60 Freeway for more than six hours as investigators reconstructed the scene and cleared debris.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the two women whose lives were tragically lost, and we wish a full recovery to the child and other injured individuals.
The Deadly Impact of DUI Wrong-Way Crashes in California
The fatal crash in Pomona is a grim example of the tragic outcomes associated with wrong-way drivers, particularly those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Crashes like these are often high-speed, head-on collisions that result in catastrophic injuries or death—especially for innocent victims who have no time to react.
In this case, the driver, Rick Rodriguez, was allegedly impaired when he entered the westbound lanes traveling in the wrong direction—a critical error that resulted in the deaths of two adults and serious injury to a child. The ripple effect of such a crash is devastating, not only to the immediate victims but also to their families and communities.
DUI crashes remain one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in California. Despite ongoing campaigns and strict penalties, impaired drivers continue to endanger others on the road. Nighttime incidents—like this one on the 60 Freeway—are especially dangerous, as visibility is reduced and response times are shortened.
In the aftermath of these tragedies, victims and their families face not only emotional trauma but also overwhelming medical costs, funeral expenses, and long legal processes to hold the responsible parties accountable.
If your family has been impacted by a DUI crash, it’s important to know that resources and compassionate support are available to help you find answers and pursue justice.
The consequences of a DUI crash can be life-shattering—but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Local Accident Reports, we connect grieving families and injured victims with trusted resources, including legal advocates, medical providers, and support services. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing and accountability.
