2 Injured In Highway 79 Crash Near Beaumont

BEAUMONT, CA — Two motorists were injured Monday in a collision that triggered a fire on Highway 79 just south of Beaumont.

The two-car wreck was reported at 12:15 p.m. on the northbound side of the highway, near County Landfill Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said one vehicle slammed into the rear of another at an undetermined speed and for reasons still under investigation.

The cars came to a stop in the No. 2 lane of the four-lane corridor, the CHP said.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location within minutes and encountered flames raging in the engine compartment of the vehicle that hit the other one. Both drivers escaped the fire.

Crews knocked it down a few minutes later.

One motorist suffered moderate injuries, and the other suffered minor injuries. They were taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment, according to reports from the scene.

As of 1 p.m., one lane remained closed due to the crash. However, following a preliminary investigation and removal of the wreckage, CHP officers were expected to fully reopen the northbound side Monday afternoon.