A fiery crash that killed three and severely injured another in Murrieta was likely the result of speeding and loss of control, authorities said Monday.
The single-vehicle crash occurred just after 11 p.m. Saturday in the 39400 block of Whitewood Road, according to the Murrieta Police Department.
Agency spokeswoman Dominique Samario said the Tesla was traveling in an unknown direction when it went out of control and crashed in the parking lot of Alta Murrieta Elementary School, catching fire.
“One male occupant was discovered outside the vehicle with severe injuries,” Samario said. “The male was transported to a local hospital. Murrieta police and Murrieta Fire & Rescue personnel discovered three occupants inside the vehicle after the fire was extinguished. The occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Their names have not been released. One of the decedents was the driver of the sedan.
“Investigators’ preliminary findings suggest excessive speed was a collision factor,” the police spokeswoman said. “Investigators do not currently have any toxicology information. Any data obtained will be analyzed and considered in the investigation.”
The man located outside the car was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar in critical condition. There was no word on his status Monday.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the police Traffic Bureau at 951-461-6306.