One person tragically lost their life in a devastating accident that occurred just beyond downtown San Diego on Sunday night. The incident involved a vehicle colliding with a cement barrier and careening down a hillside off of Interstate 5.
The crash took place at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Sunday at the off-ramp to Imperial Avenue from southbound I-5. The California Highway Patrol reported that a Kia Soul struck a cement barrier, causing it to plummet down an embankment and collide with a transformer. Regrettably, the transformer then struck a pedestrian who was situated on the side of the off-ramp.
Due to the severity of the accident, the Imperial Avenue off-ramp and Cesar Chavez Pkwy were shut down to traffic while emergency crews labored to retrieve the vehicle from the hillside. The off-ramp remained inaccessible to traffic as of 10:30 p.m., as confirmed by Caltrans.
San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel were on the scene and attended to one injured individual. However, the situation took a grim turn when the victim succumbed to their injuries, as reported by the CHP traffic incident page at 10:20 p.m. The driver had managed to exit the vehicle, but further details were not readily available at that time.
The CHP has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with support from the San Diego Fire-Rescue and the San Diego Police Department. The collaboration of these agencies signifies the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough examination of the events leading up to the tragic incident.
As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge regarding the sequence of events that transpired on that fateful night. The community is urged to stay informed and alert for any updates that may shed light on the cause of this fatal accident. The implications of such incidents extend beyond those directly involved, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while navigating our streets and highways.
