Man And Child Airlifted, RivCo Woman Dies In Head On Crash East Of Temecula: CHP

TEMECULA, CA — Two people were injured, and a 27-year-old Palm Desert woman was killed in a Wednesday morning head-on collision, officials say.

Shortly after 7 a.m., a woman driving southbound on SR-371 in a silver Honda Insight crossed over the center line into a northbound Toyota Tacoma near Homestead Road, CHP Officer Brian Seel said.

"For reasons which are under investigation, the woman allowed the Honda to cross into the northbound lane directly into the Toyota's path of travel," Seel said. "As a result, the front of the Toyota struck the Honda. Both vehicles traveled onto the east dirt shoulder, where the Toyota overturned onto its left side."

The woman, who has not yet been identified, died at the scene of the collision, according to Seel. The 56-year-old truck driver and his 11-year-old passenger were both airlifted from the scene with moderate injuries, according to Seel.

Cal Fire/Riverside County spokesperson Alex Izaguirre confirmed that both patients were life-flighted from the scene in moderate condition. A second helicopter that was ordered was called off.

Neither alcohol nor drugs was considered a contributing factor in the crash.

The CHP Temecula Area is conducting the investigation and, in a statement, reminded the motoring public to "be mindful of speed and limit cell phone conversations as they can be a distraction while driving."

A SIG alert remained in place for that roadway until 11 a.m.