Wrong-way Crash on California Highway Kills 1, Injures 2

Five-car collision in Apple Valley leaves one dead and two hospitalized after a 74-year-old man drove the wrong way on Highway 18.

Mar. 8, 2026 at 11:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 74-year-old man was killed and two other people were hospitalized following a five-car crash on Highway 18 in Apple Valley, California late Saturday night. The crash was triggered by the 74-year-old man driving westbound in the eastbound lanes, causing a multi-vehicle collision.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes on highways are a serious safety concern, often leading to devastating results. This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and driver education to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The details

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the 74-year-old man was driving a white Nissan Frontier westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 18 near Mile Marker 92.5 around 9:40 p.m. This caused a five-car collision. The driver of the Nissan was hospitalized with major injuries and later died. Two other drivers involved in the crash were also taken to the hospital with unknown conditions.

  • The crash was reported around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Eastbound lanes of Highway 18 were closed for nearly three hours, while the eastbound and westbound lanes of Outer State Highway 18 South were closed for two hours as the investigation got underway.

The players

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the multi-vehicle crash on Highway 18 in Apple Valley.

74-year-old male driver

The driver of the white Nissan Frontier who was traveling the wrong way on Highway 18, triggering the five-car collision that resulted in his death.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Anyone who knows more or who may have witnessed the collision was asked to contact Deputy T. ARlotti at (760) 240-7400.”

— San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

What’s next

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is continuing to investigate the cause of the wrong-way driving and the multi-vehicle crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures, driver education, and public awareness campaigns to prevent wrong-way driving and reduce the risk of deadly highway collisions in the future.