Driver Killed In Vehicle Fire After Crashing Into Pole In Menifee

MENIFEE, CA — A driver was killed Sunday when a vehicle caught fire after crashing into a street light pole, the Menifee Police Department announced.

The crash was reported by a witness around 12:30 a.m. Sunday in the area of Lindenberger and Scott Roads. Responding officers found a Mercedes Benz fully involved in flames, and Cal Fire responded to extinguish the fire.

The witness told officers the vehicle was driving eastbound on Scott Road, approaching Lindenberger when it drifted to the south side of the roadway near the intersection and crashed into the pole. According to the witness, the vehicle immediately caught fire, and the driver did not exit from it.

Due to the batteries of the all-electric vehicle, it took fire crews several minutes to extinguish the fire.

A solo occupant was found dead in the driver's seat once the fire was fully extinguished, according to the police department.

The department's Traffic Unit assumed the investigation. The identity of the driver was withheld due to the ongoing investigation. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

Anyone with additional information regarding the crash was encouraged to contact the Traffic Unit at 951-723-1500.

— City News Service