Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 18 in Apple Valley Shuts Down Eastbound Lanes

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A fatal five-vehicle traffic crash Saturday night in Apple Valley shut down the eastbound lanes of State Highway 18 for several hours while authorities investigated the collision.

The crash occurred at about 9:40 p.m., on March 7, 2026, along State Highway 18 near Mile Marker 92.5, west of Tao Road.

Deputies from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station, along with rescue personnel from the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and American Medical Response, responded to the crash.

According to a written statement from the Apple Valley Police Department, the crash involved five vehicles: a white Nissan Frontier, a white Dodge Durango, a white Honda Accord, a white Honda Civic, and a silver Honda Civic.

According to the written statement, deputies determined the white Nissan Frontier, driven by a 74-year-old Santa Ana man, “traveled westbound in the number one eastbound lane of State Highway 18 toward Tao Road,” causing the five-vehicle collision.

The driver of the Nissan Frontier suffered major injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

The other drivers involved were identified as Slade McGinn, 28, of Apple Valley, who was driving a white Dodge Durango; Bry Reed, 23, of Apple Valley, driving a white Honda Accord; Charlynda Graves, 46, of Adelanto, driving a white Honda Civic; and Elizabeth Cain, 22, of Apple Valley, driving a silver Honda Civic.

According to officials, two of the involved drivers sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

An investigator from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Major Accident Investigative Team (M.A.I.T.) responded and assumed the investigation.

Authorities said the eastbound lanes of State Highway 18 between Tao Road and Piute Road were closed for approximately three hours. Additionally, eastbound and westbound lanes of Outer State Highway 18 South between Atnah Road and Mandan Road were closed for about two hours while deputies processed the scene and interviewed witnesses.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy T. Arlotti at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated to include additional details released in an official press release from the Apple Valley Police Department.

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