A tragic traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Benton Road and Van Gaale Lane in Winchester, CA, today at approximately 8:18 PM. The incident involved three vehicles, including a white sedan that reportedly ran a stop sign and collided with a white Toyota Camry, resulting in significant damage and injuries.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where they found one vehicle with smoke coming from it and severe front-end damage. Medics were dispatched to assist those injured in the crash. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, and the coroner was called due to at least one fatality linked to the incident.
As emergency responders worked to manage the scene, the roadway was blocked for several hours, creating a significant disruption for local traffic. The debris from the collision and the ongoing investigation necessitated the closure of Benton Road, which remained impassable until approximately 4:24 AM on November 11, 2024. During this time, motorists were advised to seek alternative routes to avoid delays.
Towing services were called to remove the non-drivable vehicles involved in the accident. The aftermath of the collision left the intersection in disarray, prompting a thorough investigation by the California Highway Patrol to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution at intersections and adhere to traffic signals to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community is mourning the loss of life resulting from this accident, and further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of disregarding traffic laws. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local traffic conditions and to drive responsibly to ensure the safety of all road users.