October 17, 2000

BORREGO SPRINGS -- Two people died near Borrego Springs early Tuesday when the Nissan Sentra in which they were riding collided head-on with a U.S. Marine Corps "humvee" stationed in Yuma, Ariz., the Highway Patrol said.

The accident occurred around 12:20 a.m., on State Route 78 east of Yaqui Pass Road. The "humvee," otherwise known as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, weighs more than two tons and is used by the military to navigate difficult terrains.

The military vehicle, with a driver and three passengers, was traveling west at about 40 miles an hour, according to a preliminary report from the CHP.

The crew was involved in maneuvers at the Chocolate Mountain Training Range, said Capt. Mark Carter, a public affairs officer with the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, where the Marines were assigned.

The Sentra's driver, 19, whose name is being withheld pending notification of relatives, was traveling east. She lost control of the vehicle for an unknown reason around a curve, crossed the center divide and struck the Marine's vehicle, according to CHP officer Diane Lowery.

The driver and passsenger, David Russell, 22, of San Clemente, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The most seriously injured Marine was identified as Eduardo Monsivias, a passenger in the Humvee. He was flown by Mercy Helicopter to Palomar Medical Center with injuries described as "major" by the CHP. At last report he was in fair condition and scheduled to be transported to Balboa Naval Hospital.

The remaining three Marines were treated at Pioneers Hospital in Brawley for minor injuries. Though the Highway Patrol is investigating the accident's cause, the military will also conduct an investigation, Carter said.

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