HEMET, Calif. — Two people, including a 10-year-old child, were killed Friday after a CAL FIRE engine responding to a vegetation fire collided with another vehicle in the Hemet Valley area, authorities said.
According to CAL FIRE and the California Highway Patrol, the fire engine was en route to a vegetation fire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Highway 74 when the crash occurred.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene. A 10-year-old boy and another occupant of the vehicle were transported to a hospital following the collision. Authorities later confirmed the child died from his injuries.
Three firefighters who were inside the CAL FIRE truck were also transported to area hospitals. Officials said injuries among those involved ranged from minor to major.
The cause of the collision has not been released, and investigators have not yet determined what factors contributed to the crash. The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released pending notification of family members.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
