SAN JACINTO, Calif. — A man was killed after a fiery San Jacinto wreck early Tuesday morning, June 16.

According to officials now investigating the fatal accident, which happened on Cottonwood Ave. west of Warren Rd., say the victim was speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic just before losing control and crashing.

Deputies from the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the crash about 6:06 a.m., after receiving reports of the solo-vehicle fiery wreck, Riverside Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Heath reported after the deadly accident.

When officials arrived they found a car fully engulfed in fire off the shoulder of Cottonwood Ave., with flames spreading to nearby vegetation.

Firefighters managed to quickly knock down the blaze, at which time officials discovered the body of a deceased male inside the vehicle.

The driver’s name has not yet been released, pending further investigation, positive identification, and notification of the man’s family.

Based on the circumstances, members of the San Jacinto Sheriff Station’s Collision Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

During their preliminary on-scene investigation, deputies interviewed witnesses and learned a red Mercedes-Benz was driving westbound on Cottonwood Ave. just before the fiery wreck.

“(The driver) was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes at a high rate of speed, narrowly missing several other vehicles,” explained Heath.

“The driver lost control of the vehicle and struck several trees and a fence before coming to rest on the edge of a park,” continued Heath.

During their investigation, deputies called for the temporary closure of Cottonwood Ave. at Warren Rd., and the roadway remained closed until it was re-opened around midnight.

The sheriff’s investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Deputy Cox at the San Jacinto Station at (951) 654-2702. Callers can refer to incident file number I201680013 and can remain anonymous.