NBC 7’s Lauren Coronado explains how a wrong-way driver was involved in a deadly crash that closed Interstate 8 overnight.
A suspected DUI driver who exited his vehicle on the freeway following a crash that he caused while driving in the wrong direction was hit hit by a car Thursday night and later died at the hospital.
The 28-year-old driver from Alpine entered southbound lanes of Interstate 805 driving northbound, then took continued eastbound onto westbound lanes of Interstate 8, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at about 11:20 p.m. Thursday on I-8 in between I-805 and I-15.
Witnesses called 911 to report the wrong-way driver but it was too late. Moments later, the vehicle crashed head-on into another car, CHP said.
The driver struck an Acura TL and came to rest in the second lane of the I-8. The man reportedly exited his car and ran north where he was struck by a Toyota Tacoma and then by a Ford Escape, according to CHP.
The wrong-way driver was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital where he later died, according to CHP. He has yet to be identified.
The driver of the Ford Escape suffered minor injuries to his left hand and was treated at the scene. The Acura and Toyota drivers were not injured.
Footage of the scene showed a truck with its bumper hanging off and a tire ripped from the axle. The other vehicle had a hole in the driver's side windshield.
Local
The crash temporarily closed lanes as CHP investigated the circumstances. All lanes were reopened before 3 a.m.
At this time Investigators don't know if alcohol or drugs were involved. It will likely be several weeks before they find out with the release of the Medical Examiner's toxicology report.
This is a developing story. Details may change as information is released. Please refresh this page for the latest.
