CHP Reveals Details Of Multiple-Car Accident In Baldwin Park

A brief distraction from stopped traffic ahead could have been the main cause for an accident that left at least eight people injured, after three vehicles collided on I-10.

According to Kerri Rivas, spokesperson for the , the accident happened around 6:14 p.m., east of the Puente Ave. exit, almost in front of the

According to testimony from people involved, as well as physical evidence from the scene, 34-year-old Miguel Velázquez, of Bloomington, was traveling westbound on I-10 in a Chevy Impala at 65 miles per hour.

Velázquez glanced at his son who was sleeping on the front passenger seat, tried to reposition him, and then noticed that a Lexus SUV, driven by 44-year-old Jennifer Calbaquito, was completely stopped in front of him.

Velázquez tried to avoid hitting the SUV by turning his vehicle to the right, but the two cars still crashed. He then turned to the left and hit the center median, falling on a Toyota Corolla driven by Sabino Salmeron of La Puente.

After the collision, all three drivers were injured, as well as four passengers in the rear of Velázquez's car, none of who were wearing seat belts.

6-year-old Jake Velasquez, who was in the front seat of the Impala and was not properly restrained, was also injured.

The Fire Department transported two of the injured via helicopters. The rest were taken in ambulances.

CHP closed the freeway entirely for almost 20 minutes.

Any witnesses to this collision are encouraged to contact the Baldwin Park Area office during normal business hours at (626) 338-1164 or after hours through the Los Angeles Communications Center at (323) 982-4900.

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