[04-01-2025] – El Monte Freeway Crash Causes Major Delays After Car Lands in Riverbed Near Gibson Tunnel

El Monte, California — A serious single-vehicle accident late Tuesday night left two people hospitalized after their vehicle flew off the eastbound 10 Freeway, overturning into a riverbed near Baldwin Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The crash occurred at approximately 10:49 PM on April 1, when a Honda Civic veered off the freeway and landed in a riverbed below. The incident took place just east of Baldwin Avenue, in a section known for heavy late-night traffic. CHP Officer Rene Lopez confirmed that the driver, a 30-year-old man, and his 28-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Witnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene. Francisco Chavez, a bystander interviewed by RMG News, said, “A car flew off, over my head, and it hit the ground.” It remains unclear if either occupant was ejected during the crash, but both individuals experienced major trauma as a result of the vehicle’s violent descent.

Emergency responders arrived quickly to the scene. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, cited, and later released while receiving care at the hospital. Authorities are now conducting an in-depth investigation to determine whether speed, impairment, or other contributing factors played a role in the crash.

Traffic along this stretch of the 10 Freeway was temporarily impacted while crews managed the scene and recovered the vehicle from the riverbed. CHP is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or its lead-up to contact local investigators.

Our thoughts remain with the injured parties as they recover from this traumatic event.