One killed in fiery, solo-vehicle accident in French Valley
FRENCH VALLEY – A 34-year-old Temecula resident died in a fiery, single vehicle wreck May 24, when the man reportedly lost control of his pickup truck and struck a tree. The fatal accident occurred at 7:22 p.m., on Golden Rod Road just south of Willows Avenue.
Golden Rod Road in the area where the accident occurred has a long, sweeping curve and is located in the unincorporated community of French Valley, just north of Nicholas Road in Temecula.
CHP officers, Riverside Sheriff’s deputies, Cal Fire firefighters and other emergency first responders rushed to the location after emergency communications dispatchers received multiple 911 calls from witnesses reporting the violent crash.
More than a dozen firefighters from three Engine Companies and one Truck Company responded to the accident, according to Cal Fire Public Information Officer April Newman. “The first arriving engine company reported one vehicle well involved in fire,” Newman wrote in a press release. “Firefighters quickly contained the fire to the vehicle and surrounding bushes.”
A preliminary CHP investigation revealed the driver of the truck was driving southbound on Golden Rod Road when he lost control of the vehicle, went over a curb, and hit a tree, according to a CHP official.
The fiery crash pinned the man, trapping him inside the truck, the release said. Neighbors reportedly atempted to use hand-held fire extinguishers to put the fire out. However, the fire was too large and bystanders were forced to wait for firefighters to arrive.
When firefighters arrived, they quickly extinguished the fire and managed to pull the victim from the truck, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:34 p.m. The man has not been identified, pending notification of his family.
California Highway Patrol officers are conducting an investigation into this fatal accident. Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact CHP at (951) 506-2000. Callers can remain anonymous.
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