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AGUANGA, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — At least one person was hurt in a head-on crash Thursday morning, October 22, involving three to four vehicles on Highway 79 near Dugan Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol. The wreck happened inside a one-way construction zone, the agency reported.
The crash was reported around 7:46 a.m. near mile marker 6.9. A head-on collision in the single-lane construction zone left two vehicles with major damage and a third with moderate damage. The condition of a possible fourth vehicle involved was not immediately known.
An off-duty Cal Fire employee who happened to be nearby reportedly stopped to help before fire crews arrived. At least two ambulances were requested to treat the injured, and fire resources were called in from the Highway 371 area.
Investigators continue reviewing the crash. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Aguanga, CA
The crash was reported at Highway 79 and Dugan Drive in Aguanga. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Riverside County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid a head-on collision?
Staying alert in construction zones, following posted lane controls, and never passing in a marked one-way or single-lane section are some of the most effective ways to prevent a head-on crash.
Where do most head-on crashes happen?
They're most common on two-lane highways and temporary one-lane zones, where opposing traffic is separated only by a center line or cones rather than a physical barrier.
What role does passing play in head-on crashes?
Passing or merging into oncoming lanes, especially where traffic is funneled into a single lane for construction, is a frequent factor in head-on crashes.
How do median barriers help prevent head-on crashes?
Physical barriers keep opposing traffic separated so that a driver who drifts or loses control can't cross into oncoming lanes, which is why their absence in work zones raises risk.
What to Do After a Head-On Collision in Aguanga, CA
If you're involved in a head-on crash, move to safety only if you're able, and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional soon afterward, since injuries like whiplash or internal bruising aren't always obvious right away. Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, get contact information from any witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's available. If the crash happened in a construction zone, note any signage, cones, or lane markings you remember, since that information can matter later.
