Murrieta Morning Crashes Cause Injuries, Traffic Delays, Power Outage

MURRIETA, CA — Two separate crashes Thursday morning caused injuries and havoc on local roadways.

Around 6 a.m., Murrieta police reported a major injury traffic collision on Winchester Road, between Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Winchester Creek Avenue. The wreck forced Winchester Road's closure in both directions.

"Please use an alternate route this morning," the police department advised on social media.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m., all lanes were reopened, according to the department.

Further details about the wreck were unavailable.

A separate solo-vehicle crash in Murrieta downed a power pole and knocked out electricity to more than a thousand Southern California Edison customers shortly after 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

The non-injury wreck was reported on Stepp Road, between Linnel Lane and Antelope Road, near a used bus yard.

Stepp Road was closed as a result of the wreck and downed pole.

As of 10 a.m., most SCE customers had power restored, but crews were expected to continue working on the issue until approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the utility reported.

No further crash details were available.