Submitted by Menifee Police Department
FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION Menifee, CA — On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 8:41 p.m., the Menifee Police Department responded to a two-vehicle traffic collision on Newport Road, east of Derby Hill Drive, involving a 2022 Kia K5 and a 2011 BMW 328i.
Upon arrival, officers found both vehicles with major damage. CAL FIRE and American Medical Response (AMR) personnel responded to the scene. The driver of the Kia, a Lake Elsinore resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene. An adult female passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A juvenile passenger was also transported to a local hospital as a precaution.
At the time of this release, the adult female remains in critical but stable condition, while the juvenile remains in stable condition. The driver and passenger of the BMW were contacted at the scene and provided statements to officers before being released. The adult male passenger of the BMW was transported to a local hospital and remains in stable condition.
The Menifee Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. 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. At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the collision. The exact cause and circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Pisciuneri with the Menifee Police Department Traffic Unit at (951) 723-1668 or the Traffic Unit at (951) 723-1500.
