Driver Trying to Pass Big Rig on 15 Freeway in Murrieta Dies in Fiery Crash
MURRIETA, CA (March 21, 2019) – A man who appeared to use the shoulder to pass a big rig was killed in a fiery crash Thursday morning in Murrieta, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The incident happened around 11:27 a.m. at 15 Freeway and 215 Freeway.
CHP officials said a 2013 Ford Explorer was traveling on the slow lane of southbound 15 Freeway at approximately 70 to 75 mph as it approached the slower big rig in the same lane. The driver veered the SUV onto the right shoulder and sped up to about 80 mph, approaching the overpass, when its front-end hit the concrete pillar, causing the engine compartment to catch fire.
The man driving the SUV, a 50-year-old Murrieta resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was not immediately available because he has not been positively identified due to his injuries, the Riverside County Coroner’s Office said.
The pillar the Explorer hit is a support column for the 215 Freeway overpass.
No additional information was provided at this time. We will continue to update this post as new details are released.
With thoughts of peace and comfort, we would like to send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident and you need a lawyer to represent you, contact our legal team for immediate help. While no amount of compensation can bring back a loved one to life, the party at fault can be held liable for the loss. An experienced wrongful death attorney at The Sweet Law Group can fight the legal battle for you. We do not down our tools until you get a fair compensation for financial loss, wage loss, and property damage. Call our office today at (800) 674 7852 to discuss your case with us free of charge.