Wrong-way crash on I-5 in San Diego leaves two dead

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Two people are dead following a wrong-way crash early Friday morning on southbound Interstate 5 near downtown San Diego, authorities said. According to California Highway Patrol, the collision happened shortly before 3 a.m. on southbound I-5, just south of Laurel Street. Investigators said a blue Didge Durango, driven by a 56-year-old man from El Cajon, was traveling southbound on the freeway when it collided with a white Honda CR-V driven by a 62-year-old man from Bonita. Both drivers suffered major injuries in the crash. The driver of the Honda was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the two men. CHP officials said toxicology testing is pending to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. All southbound lanes of I-5 north of Sassafras Street were completely blocked around 3:30 a.m. while police responded to the incident. Traffic was diverted at Washington Street while the Kettner Boulevard on-ramp was also temporarily closed. The shut down caused a backup in traffic. All lanes have since reopened. The cause of the crash and the sequence of events remain under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has more information related to the incident is encouraged to contact investigators at 858-293-6000.