Crime & Safety
Fiery Fatal 91 Freeway Crash Near I-15 Blamed On DUI Driver
A suspected DUI driver clipped a Toyota 4Runner, causing the SUV to overturn and become fully engulfed in flames, the CHP said.
CORONA, CA — A fatal crash early Monday morning on the 91 freeway in Corona may have been caused by a driver who was under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Just before 12:30 a.m., a driver in a Toyota 4Runner was heading west on the 91 freeway, nearing the Interstate 15 interchange, when a Lincoln Mark LT clipped the SUV's left rear, the CHP reported.
The impact caused the Toyota to overturn and catch fire. The SUV's driver — the vehicle's only occupant — was trapped inside the inferno and died. The victim's identity was pending a positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Lincoln driver, 34-year-old Christopher Magallon of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury/death, according to the CHP.
During the crash investigation, the CHP shut down all westbound 91 freeway lanes and diverted traffic onto McKinley Street.
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As of 5:01 a.m., all freeway lanes were reopened.
The CHP is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call its Accident Investigation Unit at 951-637-8000.
UPDATE: This story was updated to reflect the suspect's age based on jail records.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
