One Dead After Semi-Truck Crosses Divider, Strikes Cement Truck on I-10

The driver of a cement truck was pronounced dead at the scene after a semi-truck crossed the center divider and slammed into the cement truck head-on at around 7:50 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. Both trucks caught fire on impact, bringing CAL FIRE to the scene alongside California Highway Patrol.

NBC Palm Springs' Brett Rosen reported live from Washington and Varner, where the mangled guardrail and debris-covered roadway told the story of the collision's force. CHP says the semi was traveling eastbound when it lost control, struck three vehicles, broke through a metal guardrail, and crossed into westbound lanes before hitting the cement truck. A yellow Jeep also struck the back of the big rig. Six vehicles were involved in total.

The semi-truck driver was taken to a nearby hospital, with injuries described as unknown at this time. Five others were transported with minor to moderate injuries.

One employee at a nearby business told Rosen the scene left workers stunned. "All of a sudden, you saw the fire over here by the cement truck on fire, and the other truck jackknifed right into him," the employee said. "I ran over to see if anybody needed some help, but it looked like it was pretty over with."

Westbound traffic remains heavily backed up, with only the #1 lane open as crews work to clear the semi from the roadway. Once it's moved, CHP says a second westbound lane will reopen. Eastbound lanes are fully clear. The duration of the Sig Alert is unknown at this time.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.