(February 10) YUCCA VALLEY— A double fatality collision on Yucca Trail on February 6 underscored the extremely dangerous traffic conditions on that road.
The deadly mishap occurred at the corner of Yucca Trail and Warren Vista Avenue at approximately 1:09 p.m., when a red 1984 Ford Bronco driven by 64-year-old Jesse Torres, 64 of Yucca Valley, was broadsided by a westbound black 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 23-year-old Brooke Nemeth, of Yucca Valley.
Torres and the passenger in his vehicle, Melissa Torres, 36, also of Yucca Valley, were northbound on Warren Vista and attempting to cross Yucca Trail. Both were killed in the collision and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Nemeth was treated and released at the scene.
According to a witness, the Bronco approached the stop sign at the intersection and was moving slowly into the intersection when it was struck. The accident report contained a statement from Nemeth that she was traveling at the posted speed limit of 50 mph and did not see the Bronco in the intersection.
The Jeep impacted the passenger side of the Bronco with tremendous force, resulting in both vehicles careening northwest through the intersection until they ended their deadly progress in the right shoulder of the westbound lane on Yucca Trail.
San Bernardino County firefighters extricated Jesse Torres from the vehicle but were unable to revive him. Melissa Torres had recently relocated to Yucca Valley from Junction City, KS.
The Major Accident Investigation Team from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station is investigating the collision. Driver impairment from both alcohol and drugs has been ruled out as a factor in the crash.
The accident has renewed public calls a four-way stop sign at the intersection and a reduction of the speed limit along that span of Yucca Trail, where several other serious traffic accidents have occurred.