A motorist was killed Monday when the victim’s SUV slammed into a tree and caught fire in Lakeland Village.
The crash was reported at 3:23 p.m. in the 16200 block of Grand Avenue, near the entrance to the Ortega (74) Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The agency said that the motorist, whose identity was not immediately released, including gender, apparently lost control and plowed directly into the tree, which was situated in the front yard of a residence.
A fire ensued, engulfing the vehicle before first responders could arrive, according to the CHP.
The occupants of the property where the tree was located attempted to douse the flames unsuccessfully using a fire extinguisher.
Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location within 15 minutes and encountered flames extending toward the home. Firefighters contained the blaze before it reached the residence, completely knocking down the flames at 3:50 p.m., according to reports from the scene.
The driver was found dead in the burned-out vehicle.
CHP officers were investigating the crash.