A child was killed and another suffered major injuries Wednesday in a collision possibly stemming from intoxicated driving on Interstate 215 in Riverside.
The wreck was reported at 12:33 a.m. on southbound I-215 at Blaine Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Javier Navarro said a motorist at the wheel of a 2018 Kia Optima was approaching a 1997 GMC pickup truck from behind in the slow lane when the larger vehicle experienced mechanical trouble, prompting the driver to begin pulling toward the shoulder.
“The Kia impacted the GMC and overturned onto the roadway,” Navarro said. “The right rear passenger in the Kia, a 3-year-old, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Another 3-year-old victim was seriously injured, according to Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Staley.
The driver of the Kia suffered minor injuries, while the pickup driver was not hurt, Navarro said.
All of the injured victims were taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment.
“Alcohol was determined to be a factor in this crash,” Navarro said without disclosing any further details, including whether an arrest was pending.
None of the parties in the crash was identified.
CHP officers shut down all southbound lanes initially, but reopened the HOV and No. 1 lane within an hour. All lanes were open shortly after 4 a.m.