1 Stranded Motorist Dead, 4 Injured In Corona 91 Freeway Tragedy

CORONA, CA — Drunken driving is blamed after five stranded motorists were struck alongside the 91 Freeway in Corona over the weekend. One of the victims died and the others suffered major injuries, according to a report released Monday by the California Highway Patrol.

The deadly incident was reported just before 11 p.m. Saturday on the westbound side of the freeway, between McKinley Street and Promenade Avenue, in Corona.

The CHP's preliminary investigation showed that a BMW sedan and a Hyundai "were disabled and stopped on the right shoulder with all occupants standing on the right shoulder dirt embankment."

It's not clear how the two vehicles became disabled.

A 35-year-old Long Beach resident who was behind the wheel of a Nissan Altima was heading west on the freeway and veered onto the shoulder, hitting the stalled BMW. The force pushed the BMW onto the dirt and into the five stranded motorists, according to the CHP.

Eulalia Cazares Barragan, 48, of Corona died at the scene. She had been riding in the Hyundai.

The four other victims were hospitalized with major injuries, the CHP said.

The Nissan driver, later identified as Marzia L. Barboza, will be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol following her hospital release, according to authorities. Further details were not released.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the CHP Accident Investigation Unit at 951-324-7210.