Dense Fog — San Bernardino County Mountains, California

2009-06-11 · San Bernardino County Mountains, California

Event narrative

A chain reaction car accident occurred around 0630 PST when a tractor-trailer came around a bend along northbound Interstate 15 near Oak Hills Road and swerved to avoid slowed traffic ahead. A second pileup occurred shortly afterward about one-quarter mile south of the first accident as traffic slowed for the first accident. Approximately 30 vehicles were involved in the two pileups, resulting in 15 injuries, two of which were critical.

A second set of accidents occurred along Highway 18 near mile marker 28. A 60 year old male was entering the highway when he collided with oncoming traffic. Less than 20 minutes later, a school bus was stopped just East of the first accident when it was hit by a truck. Another vehicle then ran into the truck. The 60 year old male suffered cardiac arrest when the accident occurred and died in the hospital two days later. No other injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

Dense fog in the San Bernardino mountains and deserts resulted in multiple car accidents. Two pileups occurred in the Cajon Pass along the northbound side of Interstate 15. At least 30 vehicles were involved, and 15 injuries were reported.

Along Highway 18 near Mile Marker 28, two related accidents occurred in the dense fog, resulting in one indirect death.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 178606. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.