Wilmington Driver Killed as His Car Crosses Interstate 15 Divider
A Wilmington man was killed when his car crossed the center divider of Interstate 15 and smashed into an oncoming pickup truck, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County coroner said Wednesday.
Vern S. Ayres, 63, was northbound south of Temescal Canyon Road and the Corona city limits when his car crossed the dirt median into the southbound lanes Tuesday night, said Officer Mike Devine, accident investigator for the California Highway Patrol.
Ayres’ car smashed into a pickup in the far right lane driven by Harold T. Cheetwood, 45, of Lake Elsinore, Devine said.
The truck burst into flames and was quickly engulfed, but Cheetwood escaped with only minor burns. He was treated at Corona Community Hospital.
A dog was also found dead in Ayres’ car, Devine said.
An investigation by the Highway Patrol was continuing Wednesday. The exact cause of Ayres’ death is not known. An autopsy is scheduled.
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