Deadly crash on I-15 in Lake Elsinore:
An early Monday morning crash on Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore resulted in the death of one person, and driving under the influence of alcohol is suspected to be the cause, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The driver, Tudda Teanna Tran, 21, from Lake Elsinore, will be arrested and sent to county jail after being discharged from the hospital. She is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Her passenger, Melissa Lopez, 22, also from Lake Elsinore, died in the crash.
The two-vehicle collision was reported at 3:19 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the freeway near State Route 74. Tran was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Cruz at over 70 miles per hour and failed to slow down in time to avoid a Ford flatbed tow truck moving at about 45 miles per hour.
Tran’s car rear-ended the truck, killing Lopez. Tran was taken to Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar with serious injuries. The tow truck driver, a 52-year-old man from Wildomar, was not injured.
The CHP is continuing to investigate the incident and reminds the public of the importance of designating a sober driver to prevent avoidable tragedies. Witnesses are urged to contact the CHP Temecula Area office to provide any additional information.
Contact us here on the WarmuthLaw website or through our hotline 888-517-9888.
