UPDATE: Authorities have identified driver of mini van killed in Menifee accident as Roland Seneff, 69, of Hemet, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.
LAST VERSION: One person died and at least 10 others were injured this afternoon when a van collided with several cars at a freeway exit ramp in Menifee.
The crash was reported around 1:45 p.m. on Newport Road, near the off- ramp from northbound Interstate 215.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a Hyundai was traveling northbound on the I-215 freeway and had exited the Newport Road freeway offramp, said Sgt. Dan Lingo. The vehicle drove through the intersection and struck the center divider of Newport Road, Lingo said, causing the vehicle to become airborne where it collided with a Mazda van in the number one westbound lane of Newport Road.
Five passengers from the two involved vehicles were transported to local hospitals. The driver of the Mazda van was pronounced dead, Lingo said. The identity of the driver and passengers is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The accident and blocked roadways created traffic nightmares for drivers, causing vehicles to back up on I-215 for miles to Ethanac Road and along Newport Road approaching the overpass. Local residential streets were also impacted.
Sheriff’s deputies closed access to Newport Road in both directions. The location is a major freeway interchange that abuts the Menifee Town Center shopping mall.
A number of frustrated motorists trying to exit or get onto the 215 were being cited by deputies for driving around traffic barriers.
This investigation is ongoing and the Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Menifee Police Department Traffic Division at 951- 210-1000.
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My son just called and said that both sides of the 215 between Newport and Scott, as well as all the local roads are still a mess.
Okay, I’m confused. Riverside County Fire reports a 4 car accident on the Newport off ramp of the NB 215 at 11:34 am.
CHP reports a fatality on the Newport off ramp of the NB 215 at 1:45 pm. A sig alert was just issued around 5 for closures.
Are these two separate incidents?
No, same incident, read: http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-06-10/news/menifee-crash-leaves-11-people-injured
Its difficult for them to get the story straight when it’s just happened. I was in the traffic from this at about 430pm and the NB off ramp was still closed and SB was being diverted west on Newport.
oops.. forgot where I was when I added the link. Sorry.
I just tried to leave Menifee at 6:30 pm and barely moved, turned around on Haun road and gave up after 45 minutes trying to get to Scott road. I’d avoid this whole area for a few more hours. Must have been a horrible crash. I heard lots of sirens earlier in the afternoon today (live off Newport.)
On my way home I saw the aftermath. It was pretty bad. A small silver car was flipped over and almost fell down the bridge on newport.
I made the call after I watched this happen. I was the first car waiting to turn left onto the 215 (to head northbound) It was a very scary sight to see! My heart goes out to the people involved!
My daughter was one of the children in the accident transported via ambulance to the hospital. She was released with back and neck pain only. (Thank God) I know that there are people that want all the details here, but I just wanted to put on here a thank you to all the medical workers, the man who was driving my daughter (Randy) who moved forward just enough to have my daughter alive today, and to the other little girl who was in our ambulance named Kinsey who was not only brave beyond her years, but had so much compassion for my daughter it was very special. The two held hands and it was truly awe inspiring to me about the love of others. She then proceeded to thank the emt for his job choice and for how many people he saves everyday. To Kinsey, I am so sorry you lost your grandfather. Our prayers are with you and your entire family. I am so thankful that you and your sisters were spared.
Dear Missy,
Thank you, for writing. I am happy your daughter was released from the hospital with only neck and back pain.
I have been in car accidents and sustained neck and back pain, please make sure your daughter does the exercises given to her, to prevent any additional damage as she grows older.
Best regards,
Maddy