Indio, CA (August 5, 2025) – A crash involving a CAL FIRE ambulance and a passenger vehicle on Interstate 10 left three people injured and temporarily disrupted traffic Monday night in Indio.

According to reports, the incident occurred just before 9:15 p.m. on August 4 in the eastbound lanes of I-10, west of Jackson Street. The California Highway Patrol issued a SIG Alert shortly after the collision, which was lifted around 10:45 p.m. once traffic resumed.

Authorities say the CAL FIRE ambulance was transporting a patient and attempting to merge back into traffic from the center median after responding to an earlier crash when it was struck by a passenger vehicle.

The driver of the car sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Two CAL FIRE personnel inside the ambulance were treated for minor injuries. The patient already inside the ambulance had pre-existing minor injuries from the prior accident scene.

CHP is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The details in this article are based on initial information from the California Highway Patrol and CAL FIRE and may be updated as the investigation develops.

• The identity and condition of the seriously injured driver have not been publicly released.
• The crash occurred as the ambulance attempted to merge back into lanes while already carrying a patient from an earlier incident.
• Motorists in the area should continue to drive cautiously and remain aware of emergency vehicles responding to scenes near traffic lanes.

This report is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As the facts surrounding the crash continue to emerge, updates may be provided. Those affected by similar incidents are encouraged to seek legal assistance. For more information, see our full disclaimer.