[06-19-2024] San Diego County, CA – At Least One Person Killed, Multiple Injuries Reported After Suspected Five-Vehicle DUI Chain Crash in Bonsall

At least one person was killed, and multiple injuries were reported after a suspected five-vehicle DUI chain crash in Bonsall, San Diego County, late Wednesday night, June 19, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the massive crash occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on southbound Interstate 15 near Old Highway 395.

CHP said the incident involved a Chevrolet Colorado, a Nissan Titan, a Volkswagen Tiguan, a Toyota Camry, and a Kia Soul. The number of people occupying the five vehicles at the time of the accident remains unclear.

As per the initial reports, the chain of collisions started when the Chevy, traveling in the No. 2 lane of the highway, rear-ended the Nissan. This reportedly caused the Chevy to become disabled on the highway, where the oncoming Volkswagen soon struck it. 

Moments later, the Toyota hit the back end of the Volkswagen. The final crash then happened when the Kia Soul sideswiped the front left of the still-disabled Chevy.

CHP officials later confirmed that a passenger inside the Toyota, only identified as a 32-year-old woman from Compton, died at the scene as a result of the accident. As of now, that is the only reported casualty. The Toyota driver, meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman from Perris, was hospitalized after sustaining major life-threatening injuries.

Multiple other injuries were reported following the vehicle pile-up, but none of them were life-threatening, said CHP. The total number of injured individuals is currently unknown.

Both the driver of the Chevy, 26-year-old Mark B. from Chula Vista, and the Volkswagen, Phillip M., were arrested on suspicion of DUI.

An investigation is still in progress. Potential witnesses to the chain of collisions are urged to contact the authorities at 760-643-3400.