Driver killed in possible alcohol-related crash in Moreno Valley

Last Updated on February 28, 2022 by CCAR Staff

MORENO VALLEY — The driver of a sedan died when her car was broad-sided by a pickup truck in Moreno Valley on Sunday, authorities said.

The crash was reported at about 4:50 p.m. in the intersection of Indian Street and Delphinium Avenue, said Riverside County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Craig.

The driver of a gold Toyota Solana was found unresponsive and trapped inside the passenger compartment when deputies arrived at the scene, Craig said. Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters used hydraulic tools to free the driver for transport to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She was later identified as Maria Mejia, 58, Moreno Valley.

The driver of a black Dodge Ram truck remained at the scene, he said.

“The investigation revealed the Dodge was traveling north on Indian Street and the Toyota was traveling west on Delphinium Avenue. As both vehicles entered the intersection, the front of the Dodge collided into the driver’s side of the Toyota,” Craig said. “The impact of the collision caused the Toyota to careen across the roadway and come to rest north of the intersection.”

The investigation continued but alcohol appeared to be a factor, he said.