Fiery Multi-Vehicle Crash on State Route 111 Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Imperial County, CA – A tragic four-vehicle collision on State Route 111 resulted in the death of a 51-year-old Brawley man and left several others injured on Saturday night, December 21, 2024. The crash, which occurred just north of McCabe Road around 9:00 p.m., involved a vehicle that caught fire, further escalating the severity of the incident, According to CHP, the Brawley man did not die in the fire, but was subsequently ejected out of the car from the impact.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver of a 1996 Toyota Camry veered left for unknown reasons, crossing the dirt median into the southbound lanes. The Camry collided with a 2003 Ford F-150 driven by Juan Gomez, 39, of El Centro. A 2022 Volkswagen Taos, driven by Marco Ballesteros, 49, of Mexicali, Mexico, struck the Ford. Brenda Castro, 28, of Fontana, attempted to avoid the crash by veering left. Her 2023 Toyota Camry crossed the median into the northbound lanes before coming to rest against a barbed-wire fence on the shoulder.

The driver of the 1996 Toyota Camry, who was not wearing a seatbelt, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. All other individuals involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts and survived with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Gomez was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with moderate injuries, while Ballesteros and his passengers were transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

The cause of the collision and the vehicle fire remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether impairment played a role.

“I was there and it was sad to see… There was people, crying and yelling at the seen” Erasmo Gonzalez a witness of the crush said “I Witnessed the accident before first responders got there just as I was leaving they arrived” he continued

The California Highway Patrol reminds motorists of the importance of wearing seatbelts and staying vigilant while driving, as traffic conditions can change in an instant.

anyone with information is advised to contact Officer Arturo Platero at (760) 312-1810 or via email at aplatero@chp.ca.gov.