Pedestrian Fatally Injured by Semi-Truck Crash on I-40 and I-15 in Barstow, CA
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, December 30, 2025, around 9:14 p.m. on Interstate 40 near Interstate 15 in Barstow, California. A pedestrian, whose identity has not yet been released, was fatally struck by a semi-truck while reportedly laying in the roadway near Montara Road. The collision left the pedestrian with life-threatening injuries, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene by a Barstow firefighter at 9:33 p.m. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash, which has brought attention to the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety in Barstow.
In 2023, Barstow experienced a concerning number of fatal and injury collisions, with 64 victims reported. This placed the city at an OTS ranking of 63 out of 103 California cities with similar populations. While this ranking reflects a slight improvement over previous years, pedestrian safety remains a major concern in the area. Of the 64 total victims, 17 were involved in pedestrian-related collisions, contributing to Barstow’s high OTS ranking of 7 for pedestrian fatalities and injuries. This statistic highlights the city’s ongoing struggle with pedestrian safety, and it underscores the importance of addressing this issue to prevent further loss of life.
The fatal pedestrian crash in Barstow is part of a broader pattern of accidents involving pedestrians, which have been prevalent in recent years. In 2021 and 2023, pedestrian collisions ranked among the highest problem areas in Barstow, signaling that safety improvements are still needed. In contrast, the city has seen a decrease in alcohol-involved crashes, with 10 victims killed or injured in such incidents in 2023, which resulted in a lower-than-average OTS ranking of 45 out of 103 cities. While this represents some progress, pedestrian safety remains a critical area for intervention. As investigations into this latest tragic crash continue, the community is reminded of the ongoing need for awareness and action to prevent further pedestrian accidents on the roads of Barstow.
