Fatal Wrong-Way Collision on Interstate 8 Near State Route 98 Under Investigation

El Centro, CA – Early this morning, at approximately 5:12 a.m., a wrong-way crash occurred on Interstate 8 westbound, just west of State Route 98, resulting in at least one fatality.

Images posted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on social media show extensive damage to a semi-truck and what appears to be a smaller SUV-style vehicle. The semi-truck’s cab is completely crushed, while road crews can be seen cleaning debris and oil off the highway. Black skid marks and scorched pavement indicate the severity of the collision.

It remains unclear which vehicle—the semi-truck or the smaller SUV-style car—was traveling in the wrong direction. The incident is still under investigation by the CHP.

Initially, all westbound lanes of Interstate 8 were blocked, and traffic was diverted onto State Route 98 as Caltrans crews and CHP officers worked diligently to clear the scene. As of this afternoon, all lanes have reopened, and the roadway has been fully cleared.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the individuals involved.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.