Motorist Likely Asleep at Wheel
MENIFEE (CNS) – A motorist whose car slammed into a traffic light in Menifee and caught fire, culminating in good Samaritans rescuing him, probably was asleep at the wheel at the time of the crash, authorities said Monday.
The wreck happened just after 6 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Trumble Avenue and Highway 74, according to the Menifee Police Department.
Agency spokesman Chase Coburn said that the driver, identified only as a man, was in a compact car traveling at a “fast speed” when he went through the intersection and veered into the traffic light pole.
The vehicle’s engine compartment erupted in flames, and several passing motorists pulled over and helped “the driver out of the vehicle before it became fully engulfed,” Coburn said.
No other cars were involved.
The victim suffered unspecified non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment. He was in recovery Monday.
“It is believed the driver may have fallen asleep, which resulted in the collision,” Coburn said.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the police department’s Traffic Unit at 951-723-1645.
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