Crash closes Railroad Canyon Road for four hours

Railroad Canyon Road was closed in both directions between Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake for about four hours Monday night after a single-vehicle accident obstructed the roadway, authorities said.

The driver and a passenger in a white F-150 truck were transported to a hospital after the vehicle crashed head-on into a palm tree in the center median while traveling east near Church Street about 4:20 p.m., said Deputy Mike Vasquez of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The vehicle rolled over, trapping the passenger inside. Meanwhile, the palm tree fell and took out a light pole.

The driver exited the vehicle unassisted and was transported with moderate injuries. The passenger was extricated by rescue crews and was transported with non-life threatening injuries. Railroad Canyon Road was closed to through traffic until almost 9 p.m.

Officers do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor, Vasquez said.