Aguanga, CA (April 10, 2025) – A violent head-on collision on State Route 371, just east of Puckit Drive, left two drivers with life-threatening injuries Thursday afternoon and shut down traffic in both directions for hours, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
Incident Details: The crash was reported shortly before 12:30 p.m. on the eastern edge of Aguanga, near the Cahuilla Indian Reservation. Witnesses called 911 after seeing two vehicles smashed together in the middle of the roadway on the narrow two-lane highway. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and found both drivers trapped in their cars. Firefighters used the jaws of life to free the occupants. The first driver was extricated about 20 minutes after crews arrived, while the second was removed by 1:10 p.m.
According to CHP Officer Mike Lassig, a red Toyota Corolla traveling northbound toward Indio is believed to have crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a white Chevy Impala traveling southbound. Both drivers, who were the sole occupants of their vehicles, sustained critical injuries and were transported by ambulance to Lake Riverside Airport, a nearby private airfield with emergency access. From there, one victim was airlifted to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, while the other was flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. Their identities have not been publicly released.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that the Toyota may have veered into the opposing lane, but it remains unclear what caused the driver to lose control. CHP’s official report will also review road conditions, visibility, and other contributing factors.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the injured party in the other vehicle may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Compensation could include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Source: Patch Temecula