A Winchester man was killed and two others suffered major injuries in a head-on crash Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, on State Route 371 west of Bautista Road in Anza, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred about 6 p.m. when Justin Bellare, 34, was driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata westbound on SR-371 at an unknown rate of speed. He had a passenger, 34-year-old Cassie Ludwig of Hemet.
At the same time, Matthew Saldana, 66, of Anza, was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox eastbound on SR-371 at approximately 40 to 45 mph.
For reasons still under investigation, Bellare allowed his vehicle to cross over the double yellow lines, colliding head-on with Saldana’s SUV.
Bellare died at the scene from blunt force trauma. Paramedics declared him deceased at 6:22 p.m.
Ludwig sustained compound fractures to both femurs and was airlifted to Inland Regional Medical Center in Riverside for treatment. Saldana suffered lacerations to his whole body and spinal injuries. He was flown by helicopter to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
CHP officials said it is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Toxicology results are pending.
SR-371 was closed in both directions while the investigation took place.
The collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer M. Hendrickson or Public Information Officer R. Palomares at the CHP San Gorgonio Pass office at (951) 846-5300.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.Â
