Three construction workers were killed in a multi-vehicle crash in an active work zone on eastbound Interstate 10 near Intake Boulevard in Blythe, California, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on September 25, 2026, at approximately 5:15 a.m.
CHP’s preliminary account says a tractor-trailer traveling east entered the work area and struck a parked truck-mounted attenuator vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, and a water truck. The commercial truck driver was taken to a hospital with major head and leg injuries. CHP said alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Workers identified after the Blythe I-10 crash
The Riverside County Coroner identified the three workers who died as:
- Christopher Benavidez Guatemala, 27, of Coachella
- Alfonso Vega Torres, 50, of Coachella
- Francisco Morales Mendoza, 39, of Tonopah, Arizona
Public reporting has not consistently identified the workers’ employer or the contractors involved. Those relationships should be determined through official records and the ongoing investigation, not assumed from early reports.
What investigators will need to determine
A fatal crash in a highway work zone can involve more than one vehicle, employer, contractor, and public agency. Investigators may examine the truck’s speed and braking, visibility and traffic-control measures, work-zone setup, driver hours and records, vehicle maintenance, electronic data, and the actions of every vehicle in the area.
Early reports do not establish legal fault. They do, however, show why evidence must be preserved quickly after a catastrophic commercial-vehicle crash. Families can face a complex investigation while trying to understand what happened and who was responsible.
Rights after a fatal construction-zone crash
When a worker dies on the job, workers’ compensation may provide benefits, but it may not be the only potential claim. A separate claim can exist when another driver, trucking company, equipment maker, property owner, or other third party contributed to the loss. Each case depends on the evidence and the parties involved.
Learn more about wrongful-death claims, construction-site accidents, and workplace injury cases. TORKLAW represents people and families harmed by serious crashes and unsafe conditions throughout California.
Investigation remains ongoing
This article will be updated if CHP, the Riverside County Coroner, or other official agencies release material new information. It is based on preliminary public reporting and does not make conclusions about liability.
Sources: California Highway Patrol reporting cited by KESQ/City News Service; Riverside County Coroner information reported by local news outlets; and contemporaneous reporting by Engineering News-Record.