Three People Seriously Injured in Head-on Collision near Anza Rd.

TEMECULA - Three people suffered serious injuries this afternoon in a head-on crash just east of Temecula.

The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. on state Route 79, near Anza Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A Green Ford Taurus and a silver Nissan going opposite directions on the highway slammed into one another, the CHP said.

Occupants in both vehicles were trapped in the wreckage, requiring extrication by Riverside County fire crews.

The CHP shut down the 79 during the rescue, reopening the route shortly before 5 p.m.

The victims, none of whom were identified, were transported with major injuries to hospitals in southwest Riverside County, according to the CHP.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.