Lake Elsinore Man ID'd In Fatal Wrong-Way Crash On 91 Freeway

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Coroner's Bureau identified a Lake Elsinore man killed in a collision early Sunday after driving the wrong way on the 91 Freeway near Green River Road.

Abel Quintero, 25, died at the scene on the westbound 91 Freeway approximately 1,000 feet west of Maple Street in Corona. His identity was released following notification of next of kin, according to the coroner's report.

Shortly after 5:30 a.m., a black Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by Quintero slowly drove eastbound in the westbound lanes, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Javier Navarro.

The first drivers to encounter the misdirected motorist immediately called 911, Navarro said.

"The Ford continued the wrong way on westbound 91 as CHP units attempted to locate it," the CHP spokesman said. "As the Ford passed Serfas Club Drive, it was involved in a head-on crash with a Volvo tractor-trailer."

The impact stopped both vehicles within approximately 200 feet of the collision point. Navarro said debris from the pickup was flung across lanes, hitting a Mercedes-Benz, whose driver was not hurt.

Corona Fire Department engine crews reached the location within a few minutes and pronounced Quintero dead at the scene. The trucker, identified only as a Moreno Valley man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment. He's expected to make a full recovery.

"At this time, alcohol or drugs are unknown factors in this crash," Navarro said.

Pathologists at the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Coroner's Bureau on Monday were examining Quintero's remains, and no other information was released. Anyone with information about the deadly collision was asked to contact the CHP's Riverside office at 951-324-7210.