A late-night crash on Hotel Circle North sent one person to the hospital and left both vehicles involved with major damage. The collision occurred around 11:30 PM on Thursday, June 26, directly in front of the Handlery Hotel near the westbound I-8 offramp.
The crash involved a Kia and a Mini Cooper. The Mini’s driver was transported to the hospital with injuries. The driver of the Kia appeared physically unharmed but was visibly distraught. Based on the positions of the vehicles, the crash appears to have been a T-bone or broadside collision.
The intersection at this location is notoriously tricky. The westbound I-8 offramp makes a sharp, outdated curve onto Hotel Circle North with a clearly visible stop sign for exiting drivers. However, traffic approaching the intersection from the east on Hotel Circle North is governed by a separate stop sign that is partially obstructed by a large tree, unlit, and difficult to spot at night. In addition, the lane paint and roadway markings in the area are faded or missing entirely.
The combination of poor signage and confusing road layout may have played a role in the collision. The exact cause remains under investigation.
