A pre-dawn crash on South El Camino Real near the San Diego–Orange County line turned deadly yesterday when a car slid into a parked dump truck, killing the driver and slowing the morning commute, authorities said.
According to CHP spokesman Hunter Gerber, a white 2013 Chevrolet Impala was heading south on South El Camino Real when, "for reasons still under investigation," it began to slide sideways and slammed into a dump truck that was parked along the roadway. Gerber told 10News the driver had traveled from Orange County into San Diego County shortly before the collision.
CHP officers, along with local fire and medical crews, responded to the scene, but the driver was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. The crash investigation and cleanup slowed traffic in the area while officers documented the scene and cleared debris.
Investigators Seek Witnesses
Investigators have not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs played a role, the CHP said. Authorities are asking anyone who saw the crash or has video from the area to contact the California Highway Patrol Oceanside area office at 760-643-3400.
Officials note that the Oceanside CHP office handles North County responses and is collecting any tips that might help explain why the Impala suddenly lost control and hit the parked truck.
State Efforts on Impaired Driving
As investigators work to piece together what happened, state officials continue to pour resources into cracking down on impaired driving. Per SCVNews, the CHP has distributed more than $35 million this year to local agencies for DUI enforcement, toxicology testing capacity and public education intended to reduce impaired-driving deaths.
CHP investigators remained on scene gathering evidence and will release additional details as the case develops. Anyone with information is urged to call the Oceanside CHP office at the number listed above.
