3-Month-Old Baby Dead and 5 Others, Including Toddler, Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash on Calif. Highway

California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators are seeking public assistance following a devastating three-vehicle collision on the 215 Freeway that claimed the life of a 3-month-old infant on Sunday night.

The chain-reaction crash occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on March 29 in the northbound lanes near Eucalyptus Avenue. According to CHP reports, the incident began when a 2015 Nissan Versa struck the rear of a 2013 Honda Civic that had slowed for heavy traffic. Moments later, a 2015 Toyota RAV4 collided with the back of the Nissan, effectively sandwiching the vehicle.

The impact left a family of four—two adults and two children—trapped inside the mangled Nissan. Bystanders rushed to the wreckage in a desperate attempt to reach those inside before emergency crews arrived.

“We all tried to pry the doors open,” witness Cianca C. told local reporters, describing a coordinated but unsuccessful effort to bypass the crushed metal. “We urgently tried to get to the children in the back, but we were not successful.”

Riverside Fire Department personnel eventually extricated the victims using specialized equipment. While a toddler in the vehicle survived, the Riverside County Coroner’s Office confirmed the 3-month-old infant died at the scene. Both children were reportedly secured in car seats at the time of the collision.

The crash resulted in a total of five hospitalizations:

• Nissan Occupants: Two adults suffered injuries ranging from minor to major.
• Toyota Driver: Sustained moderate injuries.
• Honda Occupants: Reported minor injuries.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. Preliminary findings by the CHP suggest that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the collision. The investigation currently focuses on the sequence of events and speed trailing in heavy traffic conditions.

The 215 Freeway is a major artery for Riverside County, and investigators believe other motorists may have captured the incident on dashcam footage or witnessed the moments leading up to the initial impact.