WINCHESTER, CA (October 20, 2025) — A van driver suffered severe injuries after a head-on collision with a semi-truck at a Winchester intersection Monday morning. Officials with Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire confirmed that firefighters used the Jaws of Life to rescue the trapped motorist.
Accident Details: The crash occurred shortly before 11:00 a.m. at Winchester Road and Olive Avenue. When fire crews arrived, they found the front of the van crushed against the semi-truck. The driver of the van was pinned in the wreckage and unable to escape.
Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools, commonly referred to as the Jaws of Life, to cut away the vehicle and free the victim. The rescue was completed within minutes, and the driver was transported by ambulance to a regional trauma center with life-threatening injuries. No other passengers were inside the van.
The semi-truck driver was not hurt and remained at the scene. Due to debris and emergency operations, authorities temporarily shut down the intersection.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is investigating what led to the collision. Officers have not said whether speed, failure to yield, or a possible medical emergency contributed to the crash.
Investigators are reviewing statements from witnesses, assessing vehicle positions, and examining potential roadway factors such as traffic flow and visibility. The intersection remained blocked while officials documented skid marks, vehicle damage, and physical evidence to better understand how the collision occurred.
Legal Considerations: When a motorist suffers serious injuries in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, investigators often review whether the truck was operated safely and whether the driver complied with transportation regulations.
If evidence shows that the semi-truck driver or the company operating the vehicle contributed to the collision, the injured party may be able to pursue compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and long-term care needs.
In high-impact crashes that require tools like the Jaws of Life, injuries may result in ongoing physical and financial challenges. An experienced legal representative can help injured individuals and their families understand their options, gather documentation, and communicate with insurance companies while the investigation is ongoing.
We send our best wishes for recovery to the injured driver.
Source: Murrieta Patch