PERRIS, Calif. — A driver and his three passengers were all ejected from a speeding vehicle when it overturned while attempting to enter the northbound 215 Freeway from SR-74/Ethanac Rd. early Saturday morning, May 30.
The driver was killed in the crash, and California Highway Patrol has since reported that none of the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seat belts when the deadly accident occurred.
CHP, Cal Fire, and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene of the crash around 1:15 a.m., after receiving reports of a vehicle that overshot the on ramp and rolled multiple times, according to official accounts.
911 callers reported the vehicle was smoking and possibly on fire and that several people had been ejected from the overturning car.
Officials work at the scene of Saturday’s deadly early morning wreck.
Officials began arriving at the scene within minutes and found a wrecked and overturned 2012 Infiniti G37 and confirmed four people had been ejected from the sedan.
All four victims were rushed to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar where, despite life-saving efforts, the driver later succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
The driver has since identified as Christian Vincent Matthew Adams, 24, of Hemet. A coroner’s release indicated he was pronounced deceased by hospital staff at 5:23 a.m.
The three passengers, who have not yet been publicly identified, were described by CHP as 18-year-old and 20-year-old Riverside residents, and an 18-year-old Hemet man.
During their subsequent investigation, CHP determined Adams was attempting to enter the northbound I-215 from eastbound SR-74/Ethanac Rd. at a high rate of speed when he lost control on the on-ramp and careened off the roadway, according to CHP Public Information Officer Mike Lassig.
“Adams failed to maintain control of the Infinti and made an unsafe turning movement to the right,” Lassig explained; saying the vehicle overturned in a northeasterly direction across an open dirt field adjacent the freeway.
One of the car’s three passengers suffered major injuries and the other two suffered moderate injuries as a result of the deadly crash, according to Lassig.
“We would like to remind all drivers and passengers to buckle-up. Seat belts save lives and prevent injuries,” Lassig later said. “It’s the first thing that should happen when you enter a vehicle.”
Officials are still working to determine if alcohol or drug intoxication were contributing factors in the fatal wreck and CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident and has not yet provided a statement is encouraged to contact CHP’s Temecula Area Office at (951) 506-2000. Callers can refer to incident file number 00656 9685 2020 and can remain anonymous.
