Bomb Squad Investigates Mountain Crash
A bomb squad has removed a suspicious device found next to a truck that plunged over the side of Highway 74 near Pinyon Pines.
The truck fell approximately 200 feet off the mountain road just after 10 a.m., according to Riverside County Fire Department officials.
The driver was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, fire officials said.
Rescue crews found a device resembling a pipe bomb when attempting to disconnect the truck’s battery, said Deputy Melissa Nieburger, of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
A hazardous materials team and bomb squad rendered the device safe, and transported it off-site for further inspection, Nieburger said. Highway 74 was shut down for about an hour while the bomb squad worked.
The driver’s identity has not been released. The investigation continues, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 951-791-3400.
