Fiery BMW Crash on I-15 in Temecula Kills Four, Injures Several Others
TEMECULA, Calif. — A devastating multi-fatality crash on Interstate 15 Saturday night left four people dead and several others injured after a black BMW M4 collided with a white Nissan Sentra and burst into flames, authorities said.
The collision was reported at approximately 9:33 p.m. on August 23 just north of Winchester Road, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Investigators said the BMW was speeding northbound and driving recklessly moments before the crash.
The driver of the BMW lost control, struck the concrete center divider, and careened into the southbound lanes, where it struck a white Nissan Sentra head-on. Within seconds, the BMW ignited and became fully engulfed in flames.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where bystanders attempted to help before firefighters arrived. Despite their efforts, three passengers trapped in the BMW were killed instantly.
The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau identified the victims as:
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Mina Sabet, 14, of Downey
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Yostena Sabet, 22, of Downey
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Jacob Labib, 13, of La Palma
The BMW’s driver, a 25-year-old man from Moreno Valley, was pulled from the burning wreckage by good Samaritans. He sustained major injuries and was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized.
The driver of the Nissan, Nicholas Callans, 36, of Wildomar, was critically injured and also taken to Inland Valley Medical Center. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at 10:08 p.m. His passenger, a 22-year-old woman, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The fiery crash forced CHP officers, firefighters, and paramedics to shut down multiple lanes of Interstate 15 as crews worked to douse the flames, treat victims, and clear the twisted wreckage. The closure caused significant traffic delays for hours in the busy corridor.
Authorities said alcohol does not appear to have played a role in the crash. However, speed and reckless driving are believed to be major factors, and investigators said the BMW’s driver could face criminal charges once the case is reviewed.
The CHP Temecula office is asking any witnesses to contact them at (951) 466-4300 as they continue piecing together what led to the deadly collision.
The tragedy has shaken the community, leaving two families mourning the loss of young siblings and another grieving the sudden death of a father.