RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A wrong-way collision early Thursday killed three people and caused a massive shutdown on the westbound 91 freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol dispatch operators.
The deadly crash occurred just after 2 a.m. when witnesses reported a wrong-way vehicle being driven at a high rate of speed east of 14th Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The witness described the collision, saying a black sedan, a big rig, and an SUV were all involved in the explosive crash that left debris across the roadway.
A news videographer at the scene said a fourth person was taken to a hospital by ambulance with unknown injuries.
As of 8:30 a.m., only the westbound 91 Freeway's HOV lane was open to traffic as CHP officers investigate the crash. Caltrans will clean up debris scattered across lanes, a CHP spokesperson said.
All other westbound 91 lanes at 14th Street remain closed, according to its latest report.
The identities of the victims has not yet been released and the duration of the closure was not immediately known.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Lake Elsinore Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.