Major 3-Vehicle Crash on Highway 86 Expressway, 62nd Avenue in Thermal

5 Hurt in Crash in the Coachella Valley

THERMAL, Calif. (April 14, 2026) — Five people were injured in a three-vehicle crash in Thermal on the southbound Highway 86 Expressway near 62nd Avenue on Tuesday morning and temporarily brought traffic to a standstill, authorities said.

The crash was reported on April 14th just after 7:00 a.m., involving a white Tesla, a white truck, and a third vehicle. According to California Highway Patrol dispatch reports, the vehicles were blocking lanes and causing significant traffic disruption in the area.

Emergency responders arrived on scene and located at least one male victim on the ground suffering from a head injury. The victim had been ejected from one of the vehicles. He was treated at the scene and transported by air ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center. His condition was not immediately known, but he was reported to be responsive. Two others were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, and two were treated on scene.

Officials requested two tow trucks to clear the damaged vehicles, with at least one vehicle being held for evidentiary purposes as part of the ongoing investigation.

By approximately 8:00 a.m., all lanes had been reopened and traffic was flowing normally.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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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).