Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by CCAR Staff
Four people from Loma Linda died in a crash in San Diego County late Sunday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Two women, one 75 and the other 40, along with a teenage girl believed to be 17 and the boy, who authorities believe to be 9, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials. Three others in the vehicle, also from Loma Linda, were hurt in the crash.
According to CHP incident logs, the crash involving the 2003 Toyota Sequoia, carrying the seven Loma Linda residents, and a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, took place on the eastbound lanes of Highway 78 near Nordahl Road in Escondido shortly after 10:30 p.m.
A 19-year-old woman, who CHP officers believe was the driver of the Toyota, and two other women were transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 25-year-old man driving a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic was detained and taken back to the Escondido CHP station on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. He was later released pending the outcome of the investigation, officials said.
According to reports, the two vehicles were traveling in the same direction when they collided, sending both over the embankment.
CHP officials shut down the highway for nearly seven hours as they investigated the crash.
The identities of those killed and the driver who was questioned have not been released. It’s unclear if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
Staff writer Doug Saunders and City News Service contributed to this report.
