Two separate crashes that took place along the same stretch of the 15 Freeway near Barstow this week left two people dead and two others, including a child, severely injured.
The deadly wrecks took place about 12:10 p.m. Sunday, July 5, and about 12:50 p.m. Monday, July 6, on the northbound 15 Freeway in unincorporated San Bernardino County east of Barstow, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Porsche rear-ends Honda, killing passenger
Sunday’s crash involved a 2024 Porsche and a 2024 Honda that were headed north on the freeway, just south of Harvard Road, the CHP said in a written statement.
Investigators determined the Porsche had been traveling directly behind the Honda in the left-hand lane as both vehicles approached slowing traffic ahead.
“For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Porshe failed to reduce speed and collided with the rear of the Honda,” the statement said.
Elvira Nemenzo, 66, of Madera, who was riding as a rear passenger in the Honda, died from her injuries at the scene, according to CHP and San Bernardino County coroner’s officials.
Two other occupants from the Honda, including a child, were hospitalized with major injuries.
The driver of the Porsche and an additional occupant from the Honda suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Driving under the influence was not initially suspected in the crash, CHP officials added.
“Traffic conditions can change rapidly on California’s freeways,” according to the statement. “Motorists should remain attentive, maintain a safe following distance, and adjust their speed to traffic ahead. A moment of inattention can have life-changing consequences.”
Solo-car wreck claims life of driver
Monday’s fatal crash took place along the northbound 15 Freeway south of Ghost Town Road, less than 2 miles away from the scene of Sunday’s wreck.
A 30-year-old Calimesa man was driving a 2003 Toyota when, “For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota veered to the right and entered the dirt gore area,” the CHP said in a statement.
The car overturned multiple times, ejecting the driver from the vehicle, officials said.
The driver and lone occupant of the car, identified by coroner’s officials as Melik Jackson, died at the scene.
“Every trip carries a responsibility,” the CHP stated. “Remaining alert, minimizing distractions, and wearing your seat belt can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a traffic crash.”
Both investigations remained ongoing.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, can reach the CHP’s Barstow Area Office at (760) 255-5900.
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This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Two people killed in two days in crashes on 15 Freeway near Barstow
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
