One dead, two injured in three-car collision

HEBER — One person is dead and two others injured following a threecar collision early Sunday morning on Highway 111, south of Heber Road.

Imperial County Coroner’s Officer identified Gregorio Gomez, 89, of Holtville, at the fatal victim.

California Highway Patrol said Gomez was driving a 2016 Toyota the wrong way in the northbound lanes of Highway 111 about 5: 20 p. m. when he met a 2013 Kia driven by Ashley Marie Castillo, 40, of Bakersfield, head on.

After colliding with Gomez’s car, the Kia was hit almost immediately by a 2013

Toyota driven by Carlos Jimenez, 43, of Brawley, CHP reported.

Gomez was declared dead at the scene. His passenger, Elena Cesena Gomez, 84, also of Holtville, sustained what were described as “moderate” injuries and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

Castillo was also airlifted to Desert Regional with what CHP described as “major” injuries.

Jimenez was uninjured, CHP said.

CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to be factors in the crash. All parties reportedly were properly wearing seat belts.

The crash remains under investigation.