Mini Cooper collided with a CAL FIRE truck at the Gibbel Road intersection in Hemet
June 05, 2026 | Hemet, CA
A father and son from San Jacinto died after their Mini Cooper collided with a CAL FIRE engine on June 5.
What happened in the crash?
Arthur Fernandez Jr., 43, and Arthur Fernandez, 10, died after a Mini Cooper collided with a CAL FIRE engine at State Street and Gibbel Road in Hemet.
- Date and time: June 5 at approximately 12:24 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of State Street and Gibbel Road (which becomes Domenigoni Parkway) in Hemet
- Vehicles: Mini Cooper westbound on Gibbel Road, CAL FIRE engine northbound on State Street with lights and siren activated
- Fatalities: Arthur Fernandez Jr., 43, pronounced dead at the scene, his 10-year-old son, Arthur Fernandez, died after transport to a hospital
- Other injuries: One unidentified juvenile hospitalized with unspecified injuries, three county firefighters treated and released from Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Medical Center
Why do crashes involving emergency vehicles occur?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fire truck accidents frequently result from a combination of driver error, speed, inexperience, and fatigue. The National Safety Council reported 198 deaths in emergency-vehicle crashes in 2023, with 57 percent involving occupants of non-emergency vehicles.
| Vehicle Type | Fatalities (2023) |
|---|
| Police vehicles | 134 |
| Ambulances | 32 |
| Fire trucks | 32 |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families may benefit from an independent review alongside official efforts. Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, noted:
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a victim’s grieving family during this difficult time, while vigorously protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added:
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of.”
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress
- An attorney can monitor the investigation and safeguard legal options
A GoFundMe page has been established to support the Fernandez family.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
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Tags: Latest News, Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Fatal Crash, Cal Fire, Truck, Hemet, Gibbel Road, State Street, Highway 74, Mini Cooper, Domenigoni