Available 
LAKE ELSINORE, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 — A hit-and-run crash left at least one person hurt on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, on southbound I-15 near Central Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said a blue sedan was reported stopped on the right shoulder after the crash, and a second vehicle, described as a dark gray four-door sedan, fled the scene. That vehicle was reportedly last seen southbound on I-15 near Diamond Drive, still in the slow lane, after passing a CHP motor unit.
Radio traffic also reported a woman at the scene who had gotten out of her vehicle barefoot and was distraught. It is unclear from the available records whether she was a driver or a passenger in the crash. The fleeing sedan was reportedly occupied by more than one person, possibly including an infant, though that detail has not been confirmed by investigators.
Cal Fire responded to the scene, and a tow was later requested for the involved vehicle. The extent of any injuries has not been released. The search for the second vehicle and its occupants was ongoing as of the latest dispatch update, and the California Highway Patrol has not announced an arrest.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Lake Elsinore, CA
This crash happened at I-15 and Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore, CA. We cover crashes across Riverside County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Riverside County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Many crashes occur on highways and major arterial roads, where speeds are higher and merging traffic is common, though local streets and intersections also see frequent collisions.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, cuts from broken glass, and bruising from seatbelts or airbags are common in lower-speed crashes. Highway collisions can cause more serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Lake Elsinore, CA
If you're involved in a hit-and-run, try to stay calm and note anything you can about the other vehicle: color, make, direction of travel, or partial plate number. Call 911 right away so officers can begin searching while the trail is still fresh. Stay at the scene if it's safe to do so and wait for law enforcement to arrive and take a report.
Seek medical attention even if you feel okay at first; adrenaline can mask pain from injuries that show up hours later. Ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed, since it will be needed for insurance purposes. If you saw anything useful, such as a partial plate or a description of the driver, share it with responding officers immediately, as early tips often help identify a fleeing vehicle.
