2 Motorists Killed In Thousand Palms Head-On Crash

THOUSAND PALMS, CA — A collision between a pickup and sedan Tuesday in Thousand Palms triggered a fire and killed both motorists.

The crash was reported about 3:40 p.m. at the intersection of Dillon and Lamel roads, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A Dodge pickup and a sedan impacted head-on at unconfirmed speeds, according to the CHP, but no other details were immediately available.

A blaze erupted that engulfed both vehicles, according to reports from the scene. A good Samaritan, identified only as a retired firefighter, stopped and attempted to contain the flames with a fire extinguisher, the CHP said.

Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location minutes later and knocked down the blaze. Paramedics pronounced the victims, whose names were not immediately known, dead at the scene.

Sheriff's deputies and CHP officers shut down Dillon going in both directions while a preliminary investigation was conducted.

There was no word regarding how long the closure would be in effect.