According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident was reported around 10:35 p.m., December 11, on the northbound State Route 55 under State Route 73.
Costa Mesa, CA – At least one person died in a traffic collision involving a wrong-way driver that happened Sunday night in Costa Mesa.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident was reported around 10:35 p.m., December 11, on the northbound State Route 55 under State Route 73.
A white Range Rover was reportedly traveling in the wrong direction when it collided with two other vehicles. The wrong-way car continued driving after the crash, but returned to the scene shortly after.
Authorities said at least one person was killed in the accident.
No other details were available, but an investigation is ongoing.
Costa Mesa typically sees 800–900 injury collisions annually, a relatively high total for its population, with freeway segments (notably SR-55 and I-405) contributing over 35 % of serious accidents due to higher speeds and heavy traffic. In 2023, Costa Mesa reported 685 total fatal and injury traffic collision victims (combined killed/injured) according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), ranking mid-range among similar-sized California cities. Speed-related collisions accounted for 115 incidents, and there were 72 nighttime crashes. Alcohol-involved collisions numbered 84, while hit-and-run cases were 53. Pedestrian collisions resulted in 27 victims, and bicyclist collisions in 89 victims, indicating notable vulnerabilities for non-motorists.
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