An Oceanside resident died in a two-vehicle crash on State Route 78, and the driver of the other car was arrested on suspicion of DUI, authorities said Sunday.
The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on the westbound side, west of Melrose Drive, according to media reports citing the California Highway Patrol.
A 22-year-old man was driving a Toyota Corolla along with his 18-year-old passenger when the car crashed into the back of a Kia Spectra driven by a female of unknown age.
Both vehicles then collided into the wall of the right shoulder, with the victim’s car rolling over. The CHP and Vista Fire Department responded and the Kia driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota, Nicholas Gordon of Vista, and his passenger were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the CHP.
Alcohol and/or drugs were suspected to be a factor contributing to the accident, authorities said. After receiving medical attention, they arrested Gordon on suspicion of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the CHP confirmed.
The identity of the female victim has not been released.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the crash was asked to contact the Oceanside-area CHP office at 760-643-3400.
– City News Service
