VISTA, Calif.—An Oceanside resident was killed in a two-vehicle crash on State Route 78, and the driver of the other vehicle was arrested on suspicion of DUI, authorities said July 2.
The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on the westbound highway, west of Melrose Drive, according to Fox5 and the San Diego Union-Tribune, which both cited the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
According to the reports, 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 and his passenger were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the highway patrol.
Alcohol and drugs were suspected to be a factor contributing to the accident, authorities said. After receiving medical attention, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, CHP officials confirmed.
The driver was identified as Nicholas Gordon of Vista. The identity of the female victim has not been released.
Authorities say an investigation into the matter is ongoing, and anyone with information about the crash was asked to contact the Oceanside-area CHP office at 760-643-3400.
