Deadly Head-on Crash State Route 62, Near Vidal Junction in the Mojave Desert
Fiery Crash Involving Hybrid Vehicle on Highway South of Lake Havasu City
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif., (May 22, 2026) — Five people died in a fiery, head-on collision Friday morning on State Route 62, just west of Vidal Junction in San Bernardino County.
The two-vehicle collision occurred on May 22nd at approximately 8:19 a.m. on SR-62 near Cadiz Road in the Freda area, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash involved a Toyota and possibly a white pickup that collided head-on and subsequently became engulfed in flames. One of the vehicles also overturned during the collision.
Emergency responders, including units from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) and the CHP, were dispatched to the scene. Initial reports indicated that occupants were trapped inside their vehicles as both were engulfed in flames. The fire, which also sparked a brush fire, reportedly originated from a hybrid vehicle whose lithium-ion battery had ruptured.
Efforts by emergency teams to rescue the trapped individuals were severely hampered by the fire. The roadway was blocked as firefighters worked to douse the flames. Tragically, both drivers and a passenger in one of the vehicles all succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities later identified the victims as Sergio Leon, his brother Antonio Leon, Hermina Hernandez, and two four-year-old girls, Nyah and Naomi Leon. The San Bernardino County Coroner was notified at 9:24 a.m. to handle the fatality.
The CHP is actively investigating the cause of the crash and has requested assistance from witnesses who may have seen the collision. The investigation remains ongoing, with traffic in the area being managed by law enforcement to ensure the safety of other motorists.
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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).
