Hemet Crash Involving Fire Engine Domenigoni Parkway, State Street
Man, 43, 10-year-old Passenger in Car Killed in Crash
HEMET, CA (June 5, 2026) — A driver in a Mini Cooper and the man’s 10-year-old son both died in a crash involving a Riverside County fire engine and a civilian vehicle Friday afternoon in Hemet, prompting a major roadway closure and a coroner response, authorities said.
NEWS UPDATE: Arthur Fernandez, 43, of San Jacinto, and his son, Arthur Fernandez, Jr., 10, were identified as the two people killed in the Hemet crash on June 5th.
The collision was reported on June 5th at approximately 12:35 p.m. near Domenigoni Parkway and State Street, according to California Highway Patrol dispatch records.
Three firefighters were also treated for injuries following the collision. The fire engine was reportedly heading to the Cranston Fire on State Route 74 in San Bernardino at the time of the collision.
Early reports indicated the crash involved a fire engine and an unidentified civilian vehicle, later described by dispatchers as a Mini Cooper. Riverside County fire officials initially advised that a child suffered major injuries and the driver was possibly deceased.
By 12:45 p.m., emergency responders reported one patient was being transported to Inland Valley Medical Center for treatment. Approximately an hour later, CHP logs showed the coroner had been requested to the scene, confirming the death of the driver. The child later died at the hospital.
Meanwhile, a second boy riding in the back seat of the Mini Cooper was taken to Riverside University Health System as a precaution.
The Hemet Police Department responded to assist with traffic control and lane closures in the area. Southbound lanes on State Street were shut down for several hours as investigators processed the scene, impacting local traffic, including school bus routes.
Authorities have not released the identity of the person killed, and details regarding what led to the collision remain under investigation. However, police say all occupants of the Mini Cooper were wearing seatbelts, and drugs and or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact investigators.
Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
