Driver strikes tree in fatal crash along westbound SR-94 near downtown

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A fatal crash early Sunday morning shut down lanes on westbound State Route 94 near the Interstate 5 interchange, according to a Sig Alert from California Highway Patrol. The crash, located west of 22nd Street in the downtown San Diego area, was first reported at 5:17 a.m. CHP noted a White Honda Civic went off the roadway and crashed into a tree. Officials say it appears the vehicle may have lost a tire prior to the crash. Emergency crews from San Diego Fire-Rescue responded to the scene, along with CHP officers. Officials reported extrication efforts were underway shortly before 5:30 a.m. Authorities temporarily shut down all westbound lanes of SR-94 near the I-5 connector. Traffic was diverted to 25th Street while officers conducted an investigation. By 6:21 a.m., CHP reported all main lanes had reopened to traffic, while one to two transition lanes from westbound SR-94 to southbound I-5 remained closed for cleanup efforts. All lanes reopened to traffic at 8:15 a.m. FOX 5/KUSI confirmed at the scene that the crash was fatal, though further information about how many victims were involved has not yet been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.