FATALITY CRASHES CLAIM THREE LIVES IN RAMONA AND SANTA YSABEL

The first accident claimed the life of two male motorcyclists in a three-vehicle crash on State Route 78 near State Route 79 in Santa Ysabel, one driving a 2020 Honda Dual Sport motorcycle, the other a KTM Dual Sport motorcycle.  The Honda veered off the highway and struck a rock, ejected the motorcyclist onto the roadway. The KTM motorcycle close by crossed the center lines into the eastbound lanes and was struck head-on by a 2003 Ford Focus. The KTM motorcyclist was also ejected onto the roadway.

CHP and fire personnel responded to the scene shortly after the crash.  One of the motorcyclists suffered major injuries and was transported via air ambulance to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido for treatment.  The other motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries on scene. 

The driver of the Ford, 71, sustained only minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital. His two passengers sustained no injuries.  At the time of this release, it is still unclear which motorcyclist was riding which motorcycle when the crashes occurred, says Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol. Both motorcylists wore helmets and the Ford driver wore a seatbelt. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs may have been contributing factors.  Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is encouraged to call the CHP El Cajon area office at 619-401-2000.  

The second accident, a solo ehicle crash, occurred around 5:05 p.m. A white Chevrolet Camaro heading east on San Vicente Road west of Wildcat Canyon Road, reportedly at a high rate of speed, crossed onto the westbound side of the roadway and went off the edge of the roadway. The driver struck several trees and caught fire . 

The driver and a passenger not yet identified both died at the scene of their injuries, says Officer Garrow. It is not yet known if drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the crash.