Two from Glendale killed in Yermo crash

YERMO • Two passengers were killed in a crash north of Barstow early Saturday morning when their car drifted off Interstate 15 and struck a bridge support.

According to a California Highway Patrol report, a silver Volvo XC90 was traveling north on Interstate 15 at 3:24 a.m. Saturday. The driver drifted off the highway as it approached Yermo Road. The car struck an embankment and then crashed into a support pillar for the Yermo Road overpass and caught fire.

Paramedics arrived and declared the two passengers in the car dead at the scene. The San Bernardino County Coroner’s office identified the deceased as Erica Gale Niederhauser, 25, and Paul Christian Despol, both of Glendale. The driver of the car survived and was transported by air to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment.

According to the CHP report, alcohol is believed to have played a role in the crash. The CHP is investigating the incident.