La Mesa — In a dramatic overnight crash, a small white sedan went the wrong way down the I-8 westbound off-ramp to El Cajon Boulevard, launched off the elevated roadway, and landed on the MTS trolley tracks along Spring Street early Sunday, authorities said.
The crash was reported at 2:40 a.m. on August 24 near the Spring Street interchange. Based on scene observations, the vehicle—identified as a Ford Escape—left the ramp about 30 feet above the Spring Street exit, traveled an estimated 50 feet forward and 30 feet down, then nose-dived into the pavement and appeared to tumble before coming to rest across the tracks.
A passerby told responders the solo driver climbed out and ran southbound on Spring Street before crews arrived. Heartland Fire & Rescue, La Mesa Police, and CHP searched the area but did not find the driver.
MTS maintenance crews responded to assess damage to a track switch control and to inspect the rails. The extent of any trolley service impact was not immediately available.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam footage is encouraged to contact La Mesa PD or CHP El Cajon.
