A head-on collision on State Route 78 above Banner Grade turned deadly yesterday near Julian, leaving two people dead, injuring several others and shutting the mountain highway in both directions for hours, authorities said. Emergency crews worked deep into the night to extricate trapped occupants and treat the wounded while investigators locked down the scene along the winding stretch of roadway.
Cal Fire confirmed that two victims died from their injuries and that two other people were airlifted to hospitals, and the agency said two motorists had to be cut out of their vehicles, as reported by FOX5 San Diego. Authorities said the call came in reporting a head-on crash near Mastros Trailer Park Road in the Julian area. Crews from Cal Fire and county fire agencies worked alongside law enforcement at the scene.
Road Closures And Local Impact
State Route 78 was closed in both directions between Banner Road and San Felipe Road while crews worked, cutting off a main access route across Banner Grade and forcing detours for drivers heading to or from Julian. That stretch of SR-78 is no stranger to sudden closures tied to serious wrecks that shut the roadway, according to 10News. Brush fires have also quickly stranded drivers in the Julian corridor, as detailed by the Times of San Diego.
Investigation And What To Know
The California Highway Patrol and Cal Fire responded to the crash and are investigating what led up to the head-on impact, officials said. Authorities asked drivers to steer clear of the area while lanes remain blocked and urged anyone with information or dashcam video to contact CHP, per FOX5 San Diego.
