The fatal collision was reported around 2:19 a.m. on southbound State Route 163 near Friars Road
San Diego, CA – One person died early Tuesday morning following a multi-vehicle crash that sparked a vehicle fire on State Route 163 in San Diego, according to the California Highway Patrol.
According to CHP, emergency crews responded to reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames along the right shoulder of SR-163. Debris and disabled vehicles were scattered across multiple lanes, prompting a full response from CHP and San Diego Fire-Rescue.
Initial reports indicate that a white Hyundai Elantra was one of several vehicles involved in the crash. Witnesses described hearing multiple impacts before seeing a vehicle catch fire. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and extricate a passenger from the wreckage.
One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while others were evaluated by paramedics. Their names and the number of injured parties have not yet been released.
Tow crews and Caltrans personnel assisted with clearing the wreckage and reopening lanes.
By 3:00 a.m., two southbound lanes had reopened as investigators continued processing the crash scene.
The cause of the SR-163 San Diego crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.