Authorities have released the identities of three people who died after officials say a Jeep veered into oncoming traffic and struck their minivan head-on along Highway 18 in Piñon Hills over the weekend.
Maricela Orozco, 51, of Pacoima; Javier Hernandez Ramirez, 58, of Pacoima; and Alfredo Orozco, 18, of Covina were killed in the crash, which took place place about 7:50 p.m. Saturday, May 9, along Highway 18 east of Blanco Road, according to California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County coroner’s officials.
First responders arrived to find a Honda Odyssey minivan block eastbound traffic lanes and a Keep Wrangler along the south shoulder of the roadway, officials said.
Investigators initially determined the Jeep had been headed west prior to the crash, while the Honda was traveling east.
“For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep crossed into the eastbound lane, directly in front of the Honda’s path of travel, and a head on crash occurred,” the CHP said in a written statement.
Hernandez Ramirez, Maricela Orozco and Alfredo Orozco were all trapped inside the minivan and died from their injuries at the scene, officials said.
Three additional passengers from the Honda, as well as the driver of the Jeep, were hospitalized with injuries.
The cause and circumstances of the deadly wreck remained under investigation. DUI was not initially suspected.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, was asked to contact Officer C. Jeffrey of the CHP’s Victorville Area Office at (760) 241-1186.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Three victims killed in Hwy. 18 head-on crash in Piñon Hills identified
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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