(Beaumont, CA) A motorist was killed and his passenger injured Monday morning, November 17, in a 60 Freeway collision after a tire flew off another vehicle and crashed through the windshield of their minivan near Beaumont.
The California Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on the westbound side of the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway near Jack Rabbit Trail. According to CHP Officer Ricardo Palomera, a 2011 BMW 328i, driven by 54-year-old Philip Neil McKeehan of Riverside, traveled eastbound. All of a sudden, the car’s left rear tire detached and became airborne. The tire vaulted over the center divider and struck the front windshield and roof of a westbound 2017 Toyota Sienna.
The impact caused the Sienna to veer into the center divider before running off the roadway and slamming into an embankment. By the time authorities arrived, they pronounced the 68-year-old Los Angeles man driving the Toyota dead. His passenger, a 54-year-old woman from Santa Ana, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Riverside University Medical Center.
McKeehan was uninjured, and no other vehicles were involved. CHP investigators are determining how the tire became dislodged.
Overview on the 60 Freeway Collision
When a vehicle component such as a tire detaches, investigators typically review the Unsafe Vehicle Condition Law. This law prohibits operating a vehicle that is unsafe or improperly maintained in a way that could endanger others. Mechanical failures like tire separations can indicate potential maintenance or equipment issues.
Additionally, the Basic Speed Law may be examined to determine if speed or roadway conditions contributed to the incident. Excessive speed can increase the likelihood of equipment failure or make it harder for other drivers to react safely when debris enters traffic lanes.
Investigators could also reference the Following-Too-Closely Law if vehicles in nearby lanes had limited space to avoid the airborne tire. These statutes will help the CHP understand how the tragic 60 Freeway collision occurred and whether any negligence contributed.
Guidance for the Family
You should remain in contact with the California Highway Patrol’s San Gorgonio Pass Office for updates and to obtain a copy of the official collision report once it is available. This document will detail findings from the investigation and may assist with insurance or legal matters.
When ready, consider reaching out to a wrongful-death or traffic safety attorney experienced in mechanical failure cases. They can explain your family’s rights and determine whether further action is appropriate.
Most importantly, surround yourself with loved ones and supportive resources in the Beaumont area. Local counseling services and community groups can help your family navigate the grief and healing process following this sudden loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
