A motorist who died when his vehicle slammed into a tree and caught fire in Lakeland Village was identified Thursday as a 75-year-old Lake Elsinore man.
Darryl Oldfield was fatally injured at 3:20 p.m. Monday in the 16200 block of Grand Avenue, just south of Blanche Drive, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
Oldfield was northbound on Grand when he apparently lost control of his SUV and plowed directly into the tree, in the front yard of a residence, according to the California Highway Patrol. A fire ensued, engulfing the vehicle before first responders arrived.
The occupants of the property attempted unsuccessfully to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher, the CHP reported.
County fire 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., officials said.
Oldfield was found dead at the wheel of the burned-out vehicle.
Anyone with information about the crash was asked to contact the Temecula CHP office at 951-466-4300.