Yesterday, a major traffic collision resulting in two fatalities and two injuries occurred in San Jacinto. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office reports the incident occurred on the Ramona Expressway, west of Warren Road, involving an SUV.
Witness accounts confirm three vehicles were involved, notably a heavily damaged, dark-colored SUV. First responders from Cal-Fire discovered two deceased occupants in the SUV. Two additional injured parties were transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
The San Jacinto Sheriff's Station Traffic Collision Reconstruction Team leads the current investigations into the accident's cause. Preliminary findings indicate the SUV veered into oncoming traffic after striking the center median while attempting to overtake another car at high speed. The errant SUV collided with a utility truck before crossing over into the eastbound lanes, where an additional vehicle struck it.
Although neither alcohol nor drugs are presently being considered as contributing factors, negligence and excessive speed appear to to have been influential. Confirmation from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office reports the death of 66-year-old Luis Bates from Artesia, CA. The name of the second deceased party remains undisclosed until further notice.
Due to the accident's severity, authorities temporarily closed the Ramona Expressway between Bridge Street and Sanderson Avenue to process the scene. Officials request anyone possessing relevant information concerning the incident to contact Deputy Post at the San Jacinto Sheriff's Station or the Riverside County Sheriff's Dispatch.
