At a Glance
- 3 people died in a head-on collision on Palmdale Road near Highway 18, Phelan, San Bernardino County.
- The crash involved a Tesla and a Cadillac SUV that both caught fire.
- First responders arrived after a 6:55 a.m. call and found the vehicles burning.
- Investigation is ongoing and officials have not identified which vehicle was traveling the wrong way.
Crash Details
The San Bernardino County Fire Department received the emergency call at approximately 6:55 a.m. The call reported a head-on collision on Palmdale Road near Highway 18. The vehicles involved were a Tesla and a Cadillac SUV. The impact caused both cars to ignite, leading to the fatal injuries.
- Time of call: 6:55 a.m.
- Location: Palmdale Road near Highway 18, Phelan, San Bernardino County.
- Vehicles: Tesla and Cadillac SUV.
- Outcome: Both vehicles caught fire and three occupants died.
Response and Fire

First responders from the San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived at the scene within minutes of the call. They found the vehicles engulfed in flames and the occupants severely injured. The fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze while medical teams assessed the victims. Despite their efforts, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
- 6:55 a.m. – Call received.
- 7:00 a.m. – Fire department dispatched.
- 7:05 a.m. – Arrival at scene.
- 7:15 a.m. – Fire extinguished; victims declared deceased.
Investigation Status
Investigators are still examining the crash scene for clues. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the collision. The police have not identified which vehicle was traveling the wrong way. The investigation remains open, and more details will be released as they become available.
- Ongoing investigation with no conclusion yet.
- No determination of wrong-way vehicle.
- No cause of collision identified.
Fire Official Statement
A fire official told NBC Los Angeles Monday that the situation was not uncommon. The official emphasized that head-on collisions can lead to vehicle fires. The statement was made as the investigation was still in progress. No additional details were released at that time.
- Statement: “This is not an uncommon situation.”
- Source: Fire official, NBC Los Angeles, Monday.
Victim Information
The identities of the three victims have not yet been released. Authorities have not provided any demographic details. The victims were all occupants of the vehicles involved in the crash. The lack of information is due to ongoing investigations and respect for the families.
- Number of victims: 3.
- Victims were in Tesla and Cadillac SUV.
- Identities not yet available.
Community Impact
The crash has shocked the small community of Phelan. Residents are mourning the loss of three lives. Local emergency services responded quickly to the incident. The incident highlights the dangers of early morning traffic collisions.
- Loss of three lives.
- Fire department response highlighted emergency readiness.
- Community mourning and concern about road safety.
Key Takeaways
Three people died in a head-on collision involving a Tesla and a Cadillac SUV in Phelan. The crash occurred early Friday morning on Palmdale Road near Highway 18. Both vehicles caught fire after the impact. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not identified which vehicle was traveling wrong.
- Head-on collision caused fatal injuries and vehicle fires.
- Fire department responded within minutes of the 6:55 a.m. call.
- Investigation remains open with no determined cause.
The authorities continue to investigate the crash in Phelan, seeking to determine the cause and any contributing factors. Residents and officials await further details as the investigation proceeds. The incident underscores the importance of road safety and emergency response readiness. Updates will be provided as new information emerges.

