1 Dead, 5 Injured Head-On Ave 44 Crash in Indio; DUI Suspected
1 Dead, 5 Injured — Including Child — in Head-On Crash in Indio
INDIO, Calif. (April 27, 2026) — A violent head-on collision in Indio Sunday evening on Avenue 44 left one person dead and five others seriously injured, including an 8-year-old boy, according to police.
The two-vehicle crash occurred on April 26th just after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Avenue 44 and Arabia Street, where a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Accord collided.
Authorities said a 31-year-old man was driving the Honda with two passengers, a 33-year-old woman and her young son. All three occupants from the Honda sustained injuries. The woman and child were badly injured and airlifted from John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital to Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Riverside. Meanwhile, the driver from the Honda was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. All are reported to be in stable condition.
Passenger Killed, Driver Fled on Foot
There were a total of three people in the Toyota at the time of the crash. Sadly, one of the two passengers was found unresponsive inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man was discovered in the roadway with severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
The 27-year-old man driving the Toyota reportedly fled the scene on foot. However, authorities later located him a short distance away on Arabia Street. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to a hospital. Authorities say he is in critical but stable condition and is suspected of driving under the influence.
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The Indio Police Department’s Traffic Unit is investigating the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at (760) 391-4057.
Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
