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Passenger Killed, Driver Critically Hurt In SUV Rollover Crash In Temecula

TEMECULA (CNS) — A passenger was killed and the driver critically injured Friday afternoon in a SUV rollover crash on the 15 Freeway in Temecula.

The passenger was a 44-year-old Corona woman. The driver was a 47-year old man, also from Corona. Their relationship was not immediately given and their names are withheld until next of kin can be notified.

The crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. on the 15, just south of Temecula Parkway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A 2002 Ford Explorer was northbound on the freeway, going about 75 mph, when traffic abruptly slowed, catching the driver by surprise, said CHP Officer Ron Thatcher.

The motorist swerved the sport utility vehicle hard to the left, striking the center divider and causing it to overturn, Thatcher said.

"As the Ford rolled, the right front seat passenger was partially ejected and sustained massive head trauma, causing fatal injuries at the scene," Thatcher said.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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