One Dead In Head-On Ortega Highway Crash: UPDATED

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — One person is dead and another is hospitalized following a crash on the Ortega Highway early Monday morning, the CHP and fire officials report. The wreck occurred on the westbound side of the highway, also known as SR-74, at around 4 a.m. near the Candy Store.

Two vehicles were involved in the crash and occupants of both were trapped, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Mike Lassig said a 25-year-old Lake Elsinore man was at the wheel of a 2015 Honda Civic headed eastbound on the 74 when the sedan drifted into the westbound lanes. A 56-year-old Menifee man driving a 2018 Dodge Challenger was coming from the opposite direction and encountered the Honda coming straight at him, Lassig said.

"The driver of the Dodge was unable to take evasive action, causing the Honda driver's front end to collide head-on with the Dodge's front end," the officer said in a news release.

He said the operator of the Honda was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge suffered major injuries and was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar in serious but stable condition.

Lassig said stressed that all motorist should always remember to wear seatbelts.

"Seatbelts save lives," he said.

The CHP is investigating the crash.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone