3-month-old killed, several injured in crash on Southern California interstate

A 3-month-old baby was killed and at least five others, including a toddler, were hospitalized after a multi-car crash on Interstate 215 in Riverside Sunday night, officials with the California Highway Patrol confirmed to KTLA. The incident occurred in northbound lanes, just south of the Eucalyptus Avenue exit, around 7:30 p.m. While the sequence of the crash remains under investigation, officials with the CHP said that it appears the driver of a 2013 Honda Civic slowed and came to a stop for heavy traffic when their vehicle was rear ended by the driver of a 2015 Nissan Versa that was then hit from the rear by the driver of a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The Nissan, which was carrying two adults and two children, a toddler and a 3-month-old who were both in child car seats in the back of the vehicle, sustained severe damage. Footage of the crash aftermath obtained by KTLA showed the rear of the Nissan completely destroyed with two children's car seats on the roadway nearby. Witnesses attempted to help the victims in the Nissan, but damage to the vehicle prevented them from being able to open the doors. Crews with the Riverside Fire Department also responded to the scene and worked to extricate the two children. The 3-month-old, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office, was declared deceased at the scene. In video, a firefighter is seen clutching the toddler just outside the destroyed Nissan as other firefighters worked to extricate those still inside, presumably the surviving child’s family members. The child was eventually placed in a neck brace and rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Both adults in the Nissan, according to CHP, suffered minor to major injuries, while the driver of the Toyota suffered moderate injuries and the occupants in the Honda were treated at the hospital for minor injuries. Investigators told KTLA that alcohol and or drugs are not suspected as a factor in the deadly crash. The investigation remains ongoing and CHP investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Accidental Investigation Unit at 951-324-7210.