'Unsafe Passing' Caused Deadly Gilman Springs Road Crash: CHP

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Unsafe driving led to a fiery crash Monday that killed five people on Gilman Springs Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

First responders rushed to the scene near Mystic Lake Monday afternoon after a chain-reaction crash involving four vehicles. The CHP said the crash sparked a four-acre brush fire, and despite lifesaving efforts, five people died from their injuries, including two children. Two other victims were rushed to the hospital and treated for injuries.

According to the CHP, drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the crash, and a preliminary investigation determined that an "unsafe passing maneuver" caused the devastating collision.

"This was a horrific crash with devastating consequences for families, and it could have been avoided," said Capt. Gil Campa, commander of the CHP San Corgonio Pass Area. "That is the hardest fact to accept in this situation."

A CHP team is working to complete a full investigation of the crash, including whether seatbelts played any role in the deaths, officials said.