Yesterday, two individuals lost their lives in a head-on collision on SR-76 near Pala Mission Road just after midnight. According to NBC San Diego, Jesus Munoz, a 43-year-old man from Vista, was arrested on drunk driving and homicide-related charges following the accident.
The crash reportedly occurred when Munoz, driving a red Nissan Xterra SUV, veered into the wrong lane and collided head-on with a white SUV. The victims, a 65-year-old driver and a 59-year-old passenger from Vista, were unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. Munoz was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries before being arrested less than two hours after the accident.
As ABC 10News reported, security cameras on the Pala Reservation captured the horrific crash, and even showed Munoz exiting his vehicle and laying on the roof of the severely damaged SUV. Additionally, a pit bull rescued from the wreckage of the Nissan was taken into custody by animal control officers and is expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities are still investigating the crash and are actively seeking assistance from witnesses. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact their Oceanside Area office at 760-643-3400.
