Deadly Lambs Canyon Crash: Car Ripped In Half, Man Dies Instantly, CHP Says

SAN JACINTO, CA — San Gorgonio Pass Area CHP officers are investigating a deadly crash Friday which ripped a car in half as a man crossed over a highway into opposing traffic. The wreck happened around 6:15 a.m. along SR-79 near Gilman Springs Road, officials say.

CHP Officer Darren Meyer says that a 57-year-old Hemet man was driving a red, 2003 Nissan Sentra north on the highway when he crossed into the path of a white, 2013 GMC "heavy duty" truck being driving by a 43-year-old Mentone man.

"For reasons not yet determined, the driver of the Nissan veered sharply to the left, across the median section of SR-79 and directly in the path of the GMC," Meyer said. "Both vehicles collided in the southbound fast lane of SR-79."

The ensuing impact was so strong, that the Hemet man's vehicle was split in two, he said.

"The severity of the impact caused the Nissan to be torn in half and the driver was killed instantly," Meyer said.

The driver of the truck, who was wearing his seatbelt, refused transport to the hospital, and there were no other people in either vehicle, Meyer said. Officials have not yet ruled out alcohol or drugs as possible contributing factors in the crash.

--

Image via Shutterstock