A collision between a motorcycle and a truck on State Route 78 in the Shelter Valley area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park left one person dead yesterday, authorities said. The wreck unfolded on a remote stretch of SR-78 east of San Felipe Road near Scissors Crossing, shutting down lanes while emergency crews worked the scene.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to reports of the crash at about 10:15 AM, and CHP described it as involving a motorcycle and a truck, according to 10News. Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and the California State Park Service handled traffic control, two tow trucks were called in, and a Sigalert for the area was canceled shortly before 1:30 PM, the outlet reported.
Another dangerous stretch of highway
This part of SR-78 has seen multiple serious wrecks in recent months, including a head-on crash near Julian earlier in April that killed two people, underscoring the road's winding mountain approaches and remote desert stretches. Hoodline's earlier reporting on the April 5 crash highlighted how closures and long response times can compound the danger on the Banner Grade and Shelter Valley corridors.
Investigation ongoing
The CHP is investigating the cause of Saturday's collision, and officials had not released the identity of the person who died as of the initial reports, per 10News. Drivers were urged to avoid the area while crews worked, and authorities did not share any additional details on possible contributing factors or potential charges.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could assist investigators is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol. The crash is the latest in a string of incidents on SR-78 this spring that have closed portions of the route and drawn scrutiny from local motorists and emergency responders.
