Fatal accident on 215 Freeway in Murrieta

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning on the 215 Freeway in Murrieta, resulting in the death of a driver following a fiery crash. The California Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Clinton Keith Road. What transpired was a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu losing control in the fast lane, hitting the center divider, and becoming immobile in the No. 1 lane. The driver, accompanied by a sole passenger, exited the vehicle to stand on the center divider while attempting to seek help. A Ford F-350 transit van, unable to stop in time, collided with the back of the Malibu, causing the van to spin and the Malibu to catch fire. Emergency responders from Murrieta Fire & Rescue promptly arrived to extinguish the flames, but unfortunately, the driver of the Malibu, a 22-year-old from Temecula, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was unharmed, while the van driver, a 61-year-old from Moreno Valley, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The southbound lanes were closed for approximately three hours to facilitate the CHP's investigation. Witnesses or individuals with relevant information are urged to contact CHP's Temecula office at (951) 466-4300.