Deadly Crash Closes SR-79, Ramona Expressway Intersection

SAN JACINTO, CA — A woman is dead and several others are injured following an afternoon wreck in the San Jacinto area, authorities report. Sheriff's officials tell Patch that the intersection where the crash occurred — SR-79/Sanderson and the Ramona Expressway — was closed down to all traffic for several hours Thursday afternoon.

The crash was first reported at 1:10 p.m., according to Riverside County sheriff's Deputy Mike Vasquez. A Honda Civic and a Ford Explorer crashed at the location.

"The adult female driver of the Civic was pronounced dead at the scene," Vasquez tells Patch. "A male passenger was transported with unknown injuries."

There were multiple other people in the other vehicle, he said. Riverside County Fire Department reports indicate that four others were evaluated at the scene by paramedics for minor injuries, but declined transport.

As of Thursday afternoon, the circumstances surrounding the crash were unclear, as crews were still working to "secure the scene," and extricate the woman who died, according to Vasquez.

As of 3:45 p.m., the intersection of Sanderson and Ramona Expressway remained closed to traffic, and there was not estimated time of opening.

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone