Two killed in wrong-way crash on I-5 in Chula Vista

Amber Coakley
·2 min read
20

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Two people were killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 in Chula Vista Wednesday morning, said California Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred around 3:20 a.m. on southbound I-5 north near Palomar Street. The wrong-way driver, a 67-year-old San Diego woman in a Honda Civic, was believed to be traveling at speeds between 80 and 90 mph in the fast lane, according to authorities.

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Drivers first started reporting the wrong-way driver in the area of Camino De La Plaza, CHP said.

For reasons still under investigation, the Honda crashed into a Dodge Challenger that was being driven by a 16-year-old boy from Imperial Beach, authorities explained.

CHP reported that the Dodge caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames. Both drivers were trapped inside their vehicles and sustained fatal injuries. Their identities are being withheld at this time.

A toxicology report is pending through the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine if alcohol/and or drugs were a factor in this crash, CHP said.

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All of the southbound lanes were blocked for several hours due to the emergency response and cleanup efforts. Motorists were diverted at L Street while morning commuters experienced gridlocked traffic conditions in the area.

In an update at 8:56 a.m., Caltrans confirmed all affected southbound lanes had since reopened.

California Highway Patrol shared safe driving tips following the overnight wrong way crash.

“Usually when it’s a wrong way driver we try to hurry our response just because most of the time they’re either intoxicated drivers, people that are under the influence, or in many cases people who are afraid to go down into Tijuana,” said Salvador Castro, Public Information Officer, California Highway Patrol.

Castro shared tips on what to do if you encounter a wrong way driver on the road.

“The best safety tips we can give somebody is, especially if you’re driving at night, look ahead. Look down 300 feet and try to get as much distance as you can.”

Castro also stressed the importance of not driving while distracted — especially during the month of April which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“Most of the time people that are driving the wrong way are driving in the far-left lane, so if you see headlights coming at you, slowly get to the right shoulder, and call 911 immediately.”

Caltrans District 11 has worked to prevent wrong way drivers by installing multiple prevention measures in both San Diego and Imperial counties, sending the following statement to FOX 5/KUSI:

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact CHP San Diego Area at 858-293-6000.

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