Hemet, California – On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at approximately 5:32am, Hemet Police Officers responded to a major injury traffic collision at the intersection of Sanderson Avenue and Menlo Avenue. Officers arrived on the scene and located a white Toyota Camry, with a solo driver, and a black Toyota Corolla with 4 occupants. Both vehicles had major collision damage. All four occupants of the black Toyota Corolla were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from major to critical. One passenger from the Corolla was later pronounced deceased at Riverside University Health System in Moreno Valley, CA.
The Hemet Police Department’s Traffic Bureau responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the white Toyota Camry was travelling northbound on Sanderson Avenue and the black Toyota Corolla was southbound on Sanderson Avenue attempting to make a left hand turn onto Menlo Avenue. The driver of the Camry failed to stop at the red light and collided with the passenger side of the Corolla. The driver of the Toyota Camry remained on the scene, and cooperated with investigators. Drugs/Alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this collision. The names of the involved drivers/passengers will not be released at this time.
The number 2 northbound lane on Sanderson Avenue at Menlo Avenue and the westbound lane of Menlo Avenue were closed for approximately 2 hours, as traffic investigators conducted their investigation.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Corporal C. Nicot at cnicot@hemetca.gov or at 951-765-2400 and reference file number 2024-04481.