Driver Killed After Pickup Overturns, Catches Fire On Ortega Hwy

LAKE ELSINORE (CNS) - A motorist killed when his pickup truck crashed through a guardrail, overturned and caught fire alongside Highway 74 just west of Lake Elsinore was identified Tuesday as a 49-year-old Menifee resident.

James Trudeau was fatally injured about 7:25 a.m. Sunday in the area of the 74 and North Main Divide Road.

Trudeau was at the wheel of a 2001 GMC pickup going westbound at roughly 60 mph when it abruptly veered to the right and plowed through a guardrail on the north side of the two-lane corridor, according to the California Highway Patrol.

"The vehicle went down the steep descending embankment," CHP Officer Mike Lassig said. "The pickup overturned down the embankment, ejecting the victim, causing fatal injuries."

Lassig said the pickup erupted in flames immediately after coming to rest.

Riverside County Fire Department paramedics arrived within a few minutes and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Lassig said alcohol has not been ruled out as a contributing factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

• ALSO SEE: CHP to Kick Off RivCo DUI Crackdown For Thanksgiving Holiday

--City News Service