KTLA

2 dead in wrong-way Tesla crash in Corona

A head-on crash in Corona killed at least one person on Oct. 2, 2023. (KTLA)

Two people died in a head-on crash on the 91 Freeway in Corona early Monday morning.

A wrong-way driver behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 was reported headed east in westbound lanes at 12:10 a.m., and two minutes later, they crashed head-on into a Mitsubishi Lancer near the on-ramp for North Lincoln Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Footage from the scene showed that both vehicles sustained burn damage, but the fires were extinguished by the time cameras arrived.

While initially only one fatality was confirmed, CHP officials later clarified that both drivers were killed as a result of the crash. The two men have not been identified.

No passengers were in the vehicles, and “alcohol and/or drugs are unknown factors at this time,” the CHP said.

All westbound lanes were closed for several hours, but they were reopened by 3:40 a.m.

Any witnesses who may have observed the incident are encouraged to call the CHP at 951-637-8000.

Nancy Fontan contributed to this report.