1 dead, 1 hospitalized after head-on crash in Menifee

One person was killed and another was critically injured in a head-on crash in Menifee on Wednesday night. 

In a news release shared on social media, Menifee Police Department officers said the crash happened at around 8:40 p.m. near Newport Avenue, just east of Derby Hill Drive. 

Upon arrival, officers found that a 2022 Kia K5 and a 2011 BMW 328i were severely damaged following the crash. 

"Preliminary findings indicate the BMW was traveling westbound on Newport Road while the Kia was traveling eastbound. For reasons that remain under investigation, the BMW crossed the center median and entered the eastbound lanes, where it collided with the Kia," the release said. 

Police said that the driver of the Kia, identified as 67-year-old William Garduno of Lake Elsinore, was fatally injured in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene. 

A woman who was a passenger of the Kia was critically injured in the crash. As of Thursday, she was said to remain in critical but stable condition. A juvenile who was also inside the car was hospitalized as a precaution, police said. 

The driver and a passenger of the BMW remained at the scene following the collision and provided statements to police before they were released. They were both hospitalized in stable condition, according to the news release. 

"At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the collision," police said. "The exact cause and circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation."

Police asked anyone who knows more to contact Menifee PD Traffic Unit Officer Pisciuneri at 951-723-1668.