Crime & Safety

Driver Swerves Into Oncoming Truck, Dies At Scene

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the CHP.

UPDATED: A crash near Lake Mathews claimed a life Friday morning.

Martha Cruz, 27, of Perris died at the scene of the two-vehicle crash on Cajalco Road, just east of Temescal Canyon Road.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:32 a.m. as the woman drove a 2000 Toyota Corolla at about 50 mph heading east on Cajalco, California Highway Patrol officer Travis Monks reported. A 38-year-old male driver from Riverside who was behind the wheel of a 2000 Peterbilt was heading west on the road at about 35 mph when the woman failed to negotiate a curve and crossed into the trucker's lane, Monks continued.

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"As a result, the Toyota Corolla side swiped the Peterbuilt truck and the driver of the Toyota succumbed to her injuries on scene," Monks stated in the report.

The Peterbilt, a three-axle pulling a two-axle transfer, was reportedly carrying gravel.

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There were no reports of injuries to the trucker, who, according to the CHP report, was wearing a safety belt.

Cruz was not wearing her safety belt, Monks' report indicated. The Riverside County coroner's office reported that Cruz was not ejected during the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the CHP. There are no reports of drug or alcohol use as being contributing factors to the incident.

Cajalco Road was closed at La Sierra for nearly 2 ½ hours as crews investigated the crash and cleared the wreckage, the CHP dispatch showed.






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