Passenger Killed in Rollover Crash on I-10 Near Desert Center

A passenger was killed in a rollover crash late Wednesday night on Interstate 10 east of Desert Center, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities say the crash happened around 11 p.m. when a Ford Ranger veered into the center median and overturned west of Red Cloud Mine Road.

Two people were inside the vehicle at the time. Investigators say 61-year-old Margarita Mares de Torres was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. She died at the scene.

The driver, a 62-year-old who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for treatment.

Officials say drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash. The incident remains under investigation.