Fiery El Cajon crash kills 2 people as CHP Memorial Day enforcement period wraps up

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) — As the California Highway Patrol’s Memorial Day Maximum Enforcement Period comes to an end, officers across the state are continuing to investigate deadly crashes, including a fiery crash early Monday morning in El Cajon that killed two people. According to CHP, the crash happened around 3:27 a.m. along westbound Interstate 8 when a vehicle went down an embankment and burst into flames. Authorities said two people became trapped inside the vehicle as the fire spread. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the crash and whether drugs or alcohol played a role. The deadly collision came as CHP officers across San Diego County increased patrols for the holiday weekend, targeting speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving and DUI offenses during the statewide enforcement effort. “With light traffic, that fast lane is always open, and that’s where we usually see the fastest cars traveling,” CHP Officer Valentin Farias said during a ride-along with FOX 5/KUSI in East County. During the ride-along, officers observed various driving behaviors, including unsafe speeds, improper lane changes and distracted driving. CHP says Memorial Day weekend historically sees a rise in serious crashes across California. “That’s our goal, slow people down, prevent accidents and prevent deaths,” Farias said. According to CHP, 29 people were killed statewide during last year’s Memorial Day enforcement period, while officers made more than 1,100 DUI arrests. CHP also reported that nine of the people killed were not wearing seat belts. Officers say speeding and distracted driving remain among the most common violations they encounter. “This morning there was a pretty bad crash, and what I’ve seen so far is a lot of people speeding,” Farias said. “The highest speed we saw was 113 mph in a posted 65 mph zone.” Although the holiday enforcement period ends Monday night, CHP officials are reminding drivers that enforcement continues year-round and are urging motorists to drive safely, avoid distractions and never drive impaired.