Last Updated on May 21, 2019 by CCAR Staff
MORENO VALLEY — A 48-year-old woman was killed Monday in a head-on collision just east of Moreno Valley that authorities say was triggered when a car coming from the opposite direction crossed into her path.
The crash happened about 7:25 a.m. on Gilman Springs Road, just south of Alessandro Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Riverside County Coroner identified the woman as Isabel Akerlundh of Moreno Valley.
Officer Darren Meyer said the victim was at the wheel of a 2009 Volvo S40, going east on Gilman Springs, when 39-year-old Alexander Orellana of Moreno Valley approached from the west in his 2015 Dodge Charger.
“In a section of road divided by two sets of double solid yellow lines and a center rumble strip, Orellana crossed into the opposing lane,” Meyer said. “While doing so, the westbound Dodge collided head-on into the eastbound Volvo.”
One vehicle spun down an embankment, and the other remained in lanes, according to the CHP.
Meyer said the woman died on impact.
Orellana, who was seriously injured, had to be freed from the wreckage by Riverside County firefighters, who took him to Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley.
Meyer said alcohol or drugs have not been excluded as possible contributing factors in the collision, which forced the closure of Gilman Springs between Alessandro and Bridge Street for several hours. The Alessandro connector to Gilman Springs was also closed.
The CHP re-opened the roads shortly before 11 a.m.
