[11-02-2024] Riverside County, CA – Two Teenagers Killed After Fiery Two-Vehicle Crash on Wood Road

Two teenagers died after a two-vehicle collision that led to a vehicle fire in Riverside early Saturday morning, November 2, 2024.

According to the Riverside Police Department, officers responded to reports of a crash around 5:40 a.m. on Wood Road, north of Van Buren Boulevard. 

Firefighters from the Riverside Fire Department arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze. Inside the vehicle, three teens were discovered, with two pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigations revealed that a gray Lexus sedan, driven by a 17-year-old male, was traveling north on Wood Road at high speed when it allegedly ran a red light at Van Buren Boulevard. Simultaneously, a blue Scion heading west on Van Buren Boulevard with a green light collided with the Lexus.

The impact caused the Lexus to continue north, striking a cement light pole, a wooden electrical pole, and a tree before catching fire.

The driver of the Scion was uninjured and cooperated with investigators. The 17-year-old Lexus driver and an 18-year-old female passenger were pronounced dead, while a 17-year-old male passenger was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities suspect that speed and potential alcohol or drug involvement played a role in the collision. The teens’ identities have been withheld pending family notification.

The investigation is ongoing.