Details Released In Weekend Ortega Highway Crash That Injured Motorcyclist, Sparked Small Fire

EL CARISO, CA — A motorcyclist was airlifted to a regional trauma center Sunday following a crash on the Ortega Highway near Tenaja Truck Trail, west of Lake Elsinore, that also sparked a small brush fire, authorities said.

Firefighters responded to reports of a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle south of El Cariso around 9:37 a.m., according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Upon arrival, crews located a downed motorcycle and rider, along with a small spot of vegetation burning nearby. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze before it could spread.

A medical helicopter transported the motorcycle rider to an area trauma center with unspecified injuries. Information regarding the occupant or occupants of the passenger vehicle was not immediately available.

The California Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation into the cause of the crash.