Lake Elsinore man dies in crash on Railroad Canyon Road

This snap shot taken from a video shot by Alyssa Payne shows the vehicle engulfed in flames on Railroad Canyon Road.

A 19-year-old Lake Elsinore man died at the scene Sunday night after his Honda sedan crashed into a power pole and burst into flames on Railroad Canyon Road, police said.

The accident was reported at 7:26 p.m. near the intersection of Railroad Canyon Road and Church Street in Lake Elsinore, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Life-saving efforts by Sheriff's deputies and paramedics failed to save the driver of the vehicle.

Multiple postings on Facebook described the efforts of several people trying to free the man from the burning car before firefighters arrived. A second person received minor injuries and was evaluated by parademics but declined further treatment, according to fire officials.

Unconfirmed reports on social media indicated that two vehicles were racing westbound on Railroad Canyon Road before the accident occurred. The Traffic Reconstruction Team of the Lake Elsinore Police Department is conducting a full investigation into the collision. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

Railroad Canyon Road was closed in both directions from Canyon Hills Road to Grape Street for about six hours Sunday night. The westbound lanes are expected to remain closed for power line repairs by the utility company until Monday afternoon.

Anyone who may have information about this collision is encouraged to contact Officer Petersen of the Lake Elsinore Police Department at 951-245-3300.