A tragic accident on the northbound Interstate 15 near San Diego resulted in the death of a 65-year-old man while he was attempting to assist his daughter, whose vehicle had become immobilised. The incident occurred early on Monday, 26 October, around 3:30 a.m., as reported by local news channels including KGTV and NBC 7 San Diego.
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According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the man’s daughter was driving a Mazda that had stopped working due to a mechanical fault, possibly linked to a flat tyre. With her children in the vehicle, she reached out to her father for help after the car stalled in the centre divider of the highway.
As the father made his way toward the vehicle, he attempted to cross several lanes of traffic to reach the median. Tragically, during this process, he was struck on the driver’s side by a grey Toyota Corolla driven by a 30-year-old man from Los Angeles. CHP Sergeant Ray Scheindes noted that details surrounding the father’s arrival at the scene prior to the impact remain unclear.
The victim, identified by The San Diego Union Tribune, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. Initial reports indicate that the collision initiated a chain reaction; a Toyota Highlander SUV subsequently struck the Corolla, while a silver Nissan Versa was also involved after it sideswiped one of the other vehicles.
Following the accident, both drivers of the Corolla and the SUV were transported to a local hospital for treatment, though their conditions were not immediately disclosed. Thankfully, the man’s daughter and her children escaped the mishap without physical injuries.
In response to the crash, California Highway Patrol rerouted northbound traffic on I-15 to State Route 52 as investigators and cleanup crews worked at the site. All lanes in the northbound direction remained closed for several hours before reopening around 8:45 a.m., according to NBC 7.
CHP officials have indicated that there is no suspicion of drugs or alcohol being involved in the accident. A toxicology report has been tasked to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, as part of the ongoing investigation.
At this point, details about the circumstances leading up to the collision and the initial mechanical failure of the Mazda continue to be examined. The incident remains under active investigation by the CHP, with further updates anticipated as inquiries progress.
Elaborating on the emotional toll of the event, the CHP highlighted the safety risks associated with attempting to assist stranded motorists, particularly on busy highways. The urgency of proper safety protocols when dealing with vehicular breakdowns has been underscored by this unfortunate occurrence.
As further developments emerge from the investigation, the community is mourning the loss of a father who was trying to lend a helping hand in a moment of distress. The impact of such tragedies often extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting families and communities alike.