Update @ 9:53 p.m.: The Riverside County Coroner’s office has identified the two motorists killed in today’s crash as Yorba Linda residents Cheryl Jain, 66, who was a passenger in the car when it was struck, and 74-year-old driver Amar Jain.
Read: Police identify driver who caused deadly crash as Temecula resident
Original: A motorist traveling at a high rate of speed Saturday while heading westbound on Rancho California in Temecula, left a trail of collisions and debris near Ynez Rd. before ending in a fatal collision at Jefferson Ave., it was reported today.
The scene of the original crash on Rancho California Rd. and Hope Way in Temecula. (Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN)
The incident, which first occurred at 3:01 p.m., had the driver of a silver Hyundai sedan plowing through traffic on Rancho California Rd. near the Target shopping center, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s officials.
It is not clear what caused those collisions, but at least five vehicles suffered a range of damage and a swath of debris was left behind near Rancho California and Hope Way.
Witness Tony Moedano said he saw a crumpled vehicle on the grass near Claim Jumper and a silver vehicle speeding westbound from the scene, weaving in and around traffic, through a red light at Rancho California and Ynez roads, with a trail of smoke billowing behind it.
Minutes later, officials said the silver sedan, still traveling at a high rate of speed from the original crash, broadsided a blue Honda CRV that appeared to be heading southbound on Jefferson Ave.
Photo gallery courtesy of Joe Fanaselle:
Temecula police Sgt. Steve Fredericks confirmed that the two occupants in the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Scene of the fatal crash at Rancho California Road and Jefferson Ave. in Temecula. (Joe Fanaselle/SWRNN)
Witnesses at the scene said that emergency crews worked to save the life of the passenger of the Honda, a female, but were unsuccessful.
The driver of the silver sedan was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries, Fredericks said.
Motorists can expect slowing traffic and numerous closures, including a stretch between Diaz and Jefferson, westbound on Rancho California Rd at I-15 and southbound Jefferson Ave. is closed as investigators examine the scene.
An investigation is underway as to the exact cause of the crash.
This is a developing story. Stay with SWRNN for details as they come available.
*Joe Fanaselle and Stephanie D. Schulte contributed to this report.
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This is horrible news. I hope everyone will pray for their loved ones
Horrible horrible, I drive thru the wreckage trail as first responders had just began working on the Honda SUV. I said a prayer for them. I saw the people in the cars, the driver of the Hyundai needs to be given life in prison, those people never get to go home to their family because of someone else’s mistake.
We came through there just a short time after and I saw someone in the street, covered up. I’m broken hearted for the family and friends of the deceased.
There was a large event for Boston Terrier Rescue just up the street that ended at 3:00pm and I’m trying desperately to find something that gives the identity of the two victims. So far, no word.
The driver that caused this should never see the light of day again. And to think he was hitting cars and causing wrecks just up the road moments earlier. Sickening.
My heart goes out to all those that remain to pick up their lives.
Linda, go to temeculapatch.com to get all the updates
I was getting off at Rancho making a right towards jefferson. I looked left and saw this car with no right front fender and the car was smoking. As he past me I made my right turn at that time he hit the Honda. I have seen some accidents in my time but this was awefull.I go to help there were about 15 people there and the CHP officer told everybod to back away. there was nothing you could do. At that time someone said the driver of the sedan wasnt breathing, I responed who gives a S–t see what he just did. I cant wait to here his BS exscuse For driving like this.It looked like he was trying to kill himself and ended up Murdering 2 others.
My son was one of the other cars hit and after seeing the damage done on the other side of the freeway I am again in shock. The passenger in my sons car was hurt and went to the hospital. Our family was very lucky yesterday and we pray for the family’s grieving their lost ones. My son was very lucky. There are guardian angels.
the driver of the sedan has no regard for human life. This person should be charged with a double murder not manslaughter and should be found guilty and put to death. That simple. If it was a single crash then that could happen, but multiple crashes and leaving the scene where there are injuries, now it is criminal. with that said my thoughts go out to the grieving families.
My wife and I were eastbound on Rancho California at the northbound Ynez turn lane, when I saw the Honda speeding westbound through the intersection. The Hyundai had front end major damage, was smoking, making a loud crunching sound and parts were falling off. The driver had no expression on his face. I kept saying “oh my God, he’s gonna kill someone!” I watched him in my mirror proceed westbound over the freeway intersection. Looked like it sideswiped a white pickup at the I-15 overpass bridge. We drove over to Rancho Calif/Jefferson and saw that he had t-boned the SUV. Saw a woman getting CPR from bystanders. My heart goes out to the two victims’ families. They were murdered!