Speeding Driver Blamed In Fatal Ramona Expressway Head-On Crash: Cops

SAN JACINTO, CA — A Monday morning head-on crash on Ramona Expressway that left two people dead was caused by a speeding driver who attempted to pass traffic, according to a preliminary investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The 6:28 a.m. three-vehicle crash that was strewn across eastbound and westbound lanes occurred west of Warren Road in San Jacinto. It was triggered by a driver in a dark-colored SUV who was heading east on the expressway at a "high rate of speed," according to the sheriff's department.

The driver tried to pass a vehicle but struck the center median, went into oncoming traffic, and collided with a utility truck, the department reported. The impact caused the SUV to cross back into eastbound lanes, where it was hit by another vehicle.

The two people inside the SUV died at the scene, according to the sheriff's department. The coroner identified one of the occupants as 66-year-old Luis Bates of Artesia. It's not clear whether he was the driver or passenger. The identity of the second person killed was not released as of early Tuesday afternoon.

The drivers of the other two vehicles were transported to local hospitals with moderate injuries, the law enforcement agency said. No other injuries were reported.

The crash investigation required the temporary closure of Ramona Expressway, between Bridge Street and Sanderson Avenue.

Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be crash factors, according to the sheriff's department.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Deputy Post at the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station at 951-766-2365 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.