Two Major Traffic Collisions on I-8 Result in Injuries and Lane Closures, 6 cars involved

Late Friday night on December 27 2024, two significant traffic collisions on Interstate 8 in Imperial County caused up to 4 Miles of traffic delays, injuries, and lane closures as emergency personnel worked to clear the scenes and provide aid according to the CHP traffic incident information page.

Incident 1: Multi-Vehicle Collision Near Dunaway Road

The first collision, reported at 9:25 PM near the westbound lanes of I-8 at Dunaway Road, involved five vehicles and resulted in multiple injuries. Emergency services were dispatched after a deputy on the scene heard a crash and vehicle horns. Initial reports indicated one individual unconscious, a major injury, and another person possibly trapped in a vehicle.

Firefighters from the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) and paramedics responded to the scene, where a total of six individuals required medical evaluation. One vehicle had gone down an embankment, complicating rescue efforts. Two air ambulances were landed on the westbound lanes, necessitating a complete shutdown of traffic.

Tow trucks from Estrada and Valley Towing were called to remove damaged vehicles, including a red Honda Accord and a white Volkswagen Atlas. By 11:07 PM, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) coordinated to reopen the lanes after clearing the wreckage.

Incident 2: Three-Vehicle Crash Near Imperial Highway

Shortly after, at 9:55 PM, another collision occurred on the eastbound side of I-8 just west of Imperial Highway. This crash involved three vehicles and three reported injuries, including a person experiencing neck and head pain and another individual bleeding from the nose.

U.S. Border Patrol agents assisted in diverting traffic, routing vehicles through Ocotillo to avoid the accident site. The CHP confirmed that two of the vehicles were blocking the roadway, prompting a request for additional tow trucks from Clancy’s Towing.

Paramedics and ICFD units were dispatched to the scene, and medical assistance was provided to all injured parties. Traffic in the area was temporarily rerouted, and lanes were reopened after emergency services cleared the scene.

Community Impact

Both collisions caused significant delays and underscored the importance of driver safety, particularly during nighttime travel on high-speed roadways. Authorities are investigating the causes of both crashes and have not released additional information about the conditions of the injured parties.

Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and reduce speed during heavy traffic or inclement conditions.