Blythe Big Rig Crash Kills Three Construction Workers on I-10

The crash happened early Friday morning on eastbound Interstate 10 near Intake Boulevard in Blythe, a desert city in eastern Riverside County near the Arizona border. According to the CHP’s preliminary investigation, as reported by City News Service and Patch, an eastbound big rig struck a parked attenuator construction vehicle and an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado, then collided with a water truck.

Three construction workers were struck during the collision and died from their injuries, the CHP said. The big rig driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital.

An attenuator vehicle is a work truck fitted with an energy-absorbing crash cushion, typically parked behind road crews to help shield them from traffic. A SigAlert was issued shortly before 6 a.m., and the eastbound lanes were closed while crews cleared the scene and investigators worked.

The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. The CHP said the big rig’s speed was unknown and that alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors. Officials have not announced a cause, and nothing released so far assigns fault to any driver or company.

As of September 26, 2026, the workers’ employer, the roadwork project, and the companies that operated the vehicles involved had not been publicly identified. In fatal truck accidents, investigators typically review the truck’s onboard data, driver logs, and maintenance records, along with how the work area was set up. For more background, see our California truck accident guide. This article may be updated as officials release more information.

When a worker is killed on the job in California, workers’ compensation generally provides death benefits to the worker’s dependents. But workers’ compensation is usually not the only path. Families may also be able to bring a wrongful death claim against other parties whose negligence caused the crash, such as a truck driver or trucking company (Lab. Code §3852).

Timing matters. Most wrongful death and injury lawsuits in California must be filed within two years (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1), and if a public agency is involved, a claim may be due within six months (Gov. Code §911.2). Truck data and records can be lost much sooner, which is why many families speak with a legal professional early. Learn more about construction accident claims and who can file a wrongful death claim.

This information is a general overview and is not legal advice; your situation may differ, and consulting a legal professional can help you understand rights that may apply to you.

Wilshire Law Firm may be able to represent the families of the workers who were killed and anyone else affected by the Blythe crash. The firm handles personal injury and wrongful death cases after big rig crashes and truck accidents in Riverside County and throughout California, and has an office in Riverside.

A legal professional can explain your options, look into what happened, work to preserve evidence, identify everyone who may be responsible, and handle communication with insurance companies. Our guide to big rig accident injuries and how compensation is calculated explains how California values these claims. Consultations are free, our award-winning, nationally recognized team is available 24/7, and there are no fees unless you get paid.

If you lost a family member in the September 25 crash on I-10 in Blythe, or you were hurt, reach out for a free consultation with a legal professional. Wilshire Law Firm is available 24/7, and there are no fees unless you get paid.

Contact Wilshire Law Firm today to talk with our California truck accident lawyers.