Details Released After Truckful Of Teens Overturns In Winchester: CHP

WINCHESTER, CA — After a truck carrying teens from Murrieta and Canyon Lake crashed over the weekend in Winchester, the California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that it is not only extremely dangerous to ride in a pickup bed it is also illegal.

The CHP was called about the crash on Elliot Road, just south of Keller Road, around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Officers arrived to find a rolled 2008 Ford Ranger and six teenagers, some seriously injured.

A preliminary CHP investigation determined that a 17-year-old Murrieta boy was driving the truck southbound on Elliot at about 25 mph when he steered onto the right dirt shoulder and lost control of the vehicle.

The pickup spun out, fishtailed and rolled, according to the CHP.

The CHP reported that three of the teens were riding in the cab — the driver, a 16-year-old girl, and a 17-year-old boy — and all were uninjured. They were all from Murrieta and were wearing seatbelts.

Three teens riding in the truck's bed, however, were hurt after being ejected during the crash. A 16-year-old Murrieta girl and a 17-year-old Canyon Lake boy were sent to Wildomar's Inland Valley Hospital with major injuries; a 17-year-old Murrieta boy suffered minor injuries, according to the CHP.

In addition to warning motorists about the dangers of not following road rules, the CHP is reminding parents that it regularly offers free teen driver classes called "Start Smart." The program focuses on providing comprehensive traffic safety education and is designed to save young lives.

The next class is being held 6-8 p.m. May 20 at Temecula City Hall, 41000 Main Street. To register for the class, email Officer Mike Lassig at MLassig@chp.ca.gov or call 951-466-4300. Officer Lassig can also provide information on upcoming classes.