By Crash News Writer 
West Covina, CA (January 3, 2026) – A deadly collision involving multiple vehicles shut down part of the San Bernardino (10) Freeway Thursday evening in West Covina, claiming one life and drawing an emergency response from local agencies.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 6:34 p.m. on January 2 on the westbound side of Interstate 10, just east of Sunset Avenue. A witness reported a dark-colored sedan lost control, collided with the center divider, and then veered toward the right shoulder. The collision involved at least three vehicles, with two coming to rest in the slow lane and another ending up near the gore point.
Emergency crews found one driver unresponsive, and smoke was reportedly seen coming from one of the vehicles. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office arrived around 7:15 p.m. and confirmed one fatality at the scene.
A Sigalert was issued at 7 p.m., closing lanes 3 and 4 of the freeway. The alert was lifted at 9:36 p.m. as officials cleared the area and began their investigation.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information provided by responding agencies and may be updated as new details are confirmed. For commonly raised concerns, review our frequently asked questions in California.
- The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
- The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
- Traffic and closure updates related to this incident should be checked through local freeway monitoring services.
If your family has been impacted by this crash, the accident resources in California can help guide your next steps. This post is not intended to provide legal advice. For complete legal context, read our full disclaimer.
Speak with a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer today to ensure your rights are protected and to get the support your family deserves.