Abel Quintero dies in multi-vehicle crash on 91 Freeway in Corona

Ford F-150 traveled wrong way near Green River Road, leaving one dead and one injured

April 19, 2026 | Corona, CA

A tragic multi-vehicle collision on the Riverside (91) Freeway in Corona claimed the life of 25-year-old Abel Quintero from Lake Elsinore. 

The early morning crash, triggered by a wrong-way driver, also left another person with injuries.

Abel Quintero, 25, died after a wrong-way Ford F-150 triggered a multi-vehicle crash on the 91 Freeway near Green River Road in Corona.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident unfolded around 5:35 a.m. near the Green River Road off-ramp. Key details include:

• A black Ford F-150 pickup truck drove eastbound in the westbound lanes.
• The wrong-way vehicle collided with at least five other vehicles, including a semi-truck.
• Abel Quintero, possibly driving the black Ford pickup, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
• The semi-truck driver sustained minor injuries and received hospital treatment.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Occur and What Are the Risks?

Wrong-way driving incidents, though rare, pose severe dangers on divided highways. These accidents often result in higher fatality rates compared to typical collisions.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, wrong-way driving led to 2,008 deaths on divided highways from 2015 to 2018. The National Safety Council reports that medically consulted injuries from motor-vehicle incidents reached 5.1 million in 2023.

Authorities continue to investigate factors like impairment or signage issues in this case.

Legal Insights

In multi-vehicle crashes involving wrong-way drivers, thorough investigations are crucial for determining liability and supporting affected families.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of a victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.”

Bond emphasizes the value of independent investigations alongside official efforts.

Key takeaways from legal perspectives on wrong-way crashes:

• Independent attorneys can uncover additional evidence not captured in initial reports.
• Prompt action preserves critical details like witness statements and digital records.
• Families may pursue claims for wrongful death to address losses from negligence.

“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”

Pending results, Quintero's family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for companionship loss, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

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