The collision was reported at approximately 11:15 p.m. Wednesday in the southbound lanes of Highway 101 near Hawk Hill, south of the Cuesta Grade.
San Luis Obispo, CA – A passenger was killed, and two drivers were injured in a wrong-way, five-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo overnight Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The victim was a 55-year-old man from Grover Beach who was riding as the right-front passenger in a GMC Canyon involved in the crash.
The collision was reported at approximately 11:15 p.m. Wednesday in the southbound lanes of Highway 101 near Hawk Hill, south of the Cuesta Grade.
CHP said a GMC Canyon, operated by David Worthington Ross, was heading the wrong way in the No. 1 southbound lane of 101 when it struck a Dodge Charger head-on. Three other vehicles were also involved in the collision.
A passenger in the GMC, later identified as a 55-year-old Grover Beach man, suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
David Ross and the driver of the Dodge suffered major injuries in the crash and were hospitalized.
CHP officers arrested Ross on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities said DUI is suspected of being a contributing factor in the crash.
The collision blocked both southbound lanes of Highway 101 and prompted a full freeway closure. Cal Fire and CHP personnel responded to the scene and worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.