1 dead, 4 hospitalized after Moreno Valley multi-car crash causes car to veer into fire hydrant

Four people were hospitalized after a car veered into a fire hydrant in Moreno Valley early Sunday morning.

Riverside County Fire Department crews were sent to the intersection of Perris Boulevard and San Michele Road, near the Ross distribution center, at around 5:40 a.m. after learning of a car that had crashed into a fire hydrant. 

"Upon arrival, the Incident Commander reported a two-vehicle collision, with one vehicle into a fire hydrant," Cal Fire's release said.

Firefighters said that all four people inside the vehicles were hospitalized, three of whom suffered major injuries. The fourth patient suffered moderate injuries.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Office investigators. They identified her as 37-year-old Perris resident Diana Diaz, one of the drivers in the crash.

Riverside County Sheriff's Office investigators are working with firefighters to determine what caused the crash. No arrests have been reported. 

"It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision," deputies said. "The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and no further details will be released at this time."

Southbound Perris Boulevard and San Michele Road were both closed for several hours after the collision.

Deputies asked anyone with more information to contact them at 951-486-6700.