[SAN DIEGO (Clairemont Mesa) Sat Jan. 11, 3:06 a.m.] — A violent two-car crash on southbound State Route 163 early Saturday morning left three people seriously injured and shut down the freeway near Clairemont Mesa Boulevard for an extended rescue operation.
The collision occurred just after 3 a.m. north of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. The crash involved a Nissan sedan and a Kia sedan and initially appeared severe enough to prompt concerns of a possible wrong-way collision. However, CHP reported no confirmed wrong-way driver calls prior to the crash, and investigators say no independent witnesses saw the moment of impact.
San Diego Fire-Rescue crews found two occupants trapped inside the Kia. Firefighters conducted a full technical rescue, first removing the driver, then working to free the passenger who was pinned by the crushed dashboard and front end. The extrication required specialized rescue equipment and additional time on scene.
The driver of the Nissan also suffered major injuries but was able to communicate briefly with rescuers. He told crews he believed he was traveling with a group of vehicles when traffic ahead may have suddenly swerved, leading to the collision.
Three patients were transported to area trauma centers. Two men from the Kia were taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, while the Nissan driver was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital.
As rescue and medical operations unfolded, CHP stopped all southbound traffic on SR-163. Officers conducted multiple rolling traffic breaks and set up a flare pattern to divert vehicles off the freeway at Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, allowing traffic to re-enter south of the crash scene once conditions allowed.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by CHP.
