Pablo Garcia Lopez Killed in Thermal Crash at Avenue 58, Buchanan Street

THERMAL, Calif. (June 16, 2026) — Pablo Garcia Lopez, a 26-year-old Mecca resident, was killed in a violent two-vehicle collision early Saturday morning in the Thermal area, according to authorities.

The crash occurred around 5 a.m. at the intersection of Avenue 58 and Buchanan Street, where investigators say a sport utility vehicle failed to stop before colliding with Lopez’s sedan.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2017 Acura RDX was traveling eastbound on Avenue 58 when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver allegedly did not stop at a posted stop sign at Buchanan Street. The Acura then crashed into a 2009 Toyota Camry traveling northbound through the intersection.

The force of the collision caused both vehicles to overturn, officials said.

Lopez, who was driving the Toyota, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Acura sustained major injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment. Authorities have not publicly released that driver’s identity.

Investigators have not said whether speed, impairment, or other factors may have contributed to the crash.

The collision 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).