On Sunday, 09/08/2024 , at approximately 9:02 PM, Hemet Police Officers responded to an unknown injury traffic collision on Mountain Ave. just west of Soboba St. in the City of Hemet. Officers arrived on the scene and located a silver Kia Forte and a red Hyundai Ioniq with major collision damage within both lanes of traffic. The driver/solo occupant of the Kia Forte, was transported to Hemet Global Medical Center where she was later pronounced deceased. The driver and passenger occupant of the Ioniq, were transported to RUHS for moderate injuries and cooperated with the investigation.
The Hemet Police Department’s Traffic Bureau responded to the scene for the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the Kia Forte was traveling westbound on Mountain Ave., when for unknown reason, she drifted into oncoming lanes. The driver of the Hyundai Ioniq, saw the Kia Forte within his lane and attempted to avoid a collision. The vehicles collided head on. The driver of the Kia Forte did not appear to be wearing a seat belt. Drugs/Alcohol are suspected to be a factor at this time.
The identity of the deceased driver is being withheld, pending this ongoing investigation. However, the family has been notified. The eastbound and westbound lanes of Mountain Ave. between Soboba St. and Hemet St. were closed for approximately 6 hours as traffic investigators conducted their investigation.
If you witnessed the collision or have any helpful information for traffic investigators, you are urged to contact Traffic Corporal Nicot at (951) 765-2400 or cnicot@hemetca.gov and reference file number 2024-05393.