A collision between a big rig and car just north of San Jacinto Wednesday left one person dead and another injured, and triggered a brush fire that charred roughly 40 acres before Cal Fire aircraft slowed it down.
The crash was reported at 2:55 p.m. at the intersection of Bridge Street and Gilman Springs Road, near Mystic Lake, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The driver of the car was pulled from the wreckage in grave condition. Despite life-saving measures, the victim died at the scene. The trucker suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to a hospital, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
A fire erupted immediately after the collision, expanding to roadside vegetation and eventually extending into a field, pushed by light to moderate winds.
Multiple county engine crews were sent to battle the brusher, along with two Cal Fire air tankers from Hemet-Ryan Airport, a few miles to the south. The aircraft initiated a series of runs that slowed the head of the fire, according to reports from the scene.
CHP officers shut down Gilman Springs between Alessandro Boulevard, east of Moreno Valley, and Bridge to the south, for public safety. The closure was expected to remain in force until 8 p.m.
Traffic was being turned around at the closure points.