Triple Fatal Crash Reported Near Lake Elsinore [UPDATED]

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Three people have been killed in a two-vehicle collision just east of Lake Elsinore, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The head-on wreck was reported at 1:21 p.m. at the intersection of state Route 74 and El Toro Cut Off Road.

"The first arriving engine company reported two vehicles involved with a total of three victims," Fire Spokeswoman Tawny Cabral said. "All three victims perished at the scene."

The City of Lake Elsinore reports that Highway 74 has since been closed between El Toro Cut Off Road and Trellis Lane. The closure is expected to last up to six hours.

"Please use alternative roadways and share this with others to avoid major bottlenecks on Highway 74 as residents head home today," the city said on Facebook.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a gold-colored Honda sedan and a silver sedan collided in the middle of state Route 74 where the four-lane highway leaves the Lake Elsinore city limits and goes into the unincorporated community of Meadowbrook. According to witnesses, one of the vehicles caught fire immediately after the crash.

A SigAlert was issued because of the ensuing miles-long traffic jam. Eastbound motorists were being turned around and routed back into Lake Elsinore, while westbound motorists were being turned back toward Perris.

The sheriff's department and the CHP are investigating the crash. Additional details were not immediately available.

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— Images courtesy William Hayes