Driver Dies In Single-Car Crash On 91 Freeway

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A 59-year-old man was killed early Wednesday when his car slammed into a concrete center divider on the Riverside (91) Freeway, pushing the barrier onto the opposite side of the eight-lane artery.

William Bopf of Riverside was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on the westbound side of the 91, just west of Van Buren Boulevard.

Bopf was traveling at an unconfirmed speed when his sedan veered into the center divider, plowing into it with enough energy to force a chunk of the barrier to move a foot or two into the carpool lane on the eastbound side, according to the California Highway Patrol. No other vehicles were involved.

The victim was wedged inside the wreckage, and Riverside Fire Department crews had to extricate him using industrial equipment.

Three westbound lanes and two eastbound lanes were closed because of the crash. All lanes were re-opened by 6 a.m.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

— By City News Service