San Diego

I-8 East Reopens Following Fiery, Fatal Crash

All Interstate 8 East lanes have reopened following a fiery early morning rollover crash that left one dead, authorities said. 

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials combed through more than 300 yards of a crash scene following the crash, which left miles of backed up traffic on I-8 East. 

The crash happened Sunday at approximately 4:46 a.m. when a BMW hit the center divide near Waring Road, rolling across several lanes of the highway near the College Area, CHP officials said. 

As the car flipped across the highway, the driver was ejected and killed, officials said. The driver has not yet been identified. 

The impact set the car on fire, and a charred, overturned BMW sat in the middle lanes of I-8 East as CHP authorities combed through the scene. 

A truck then hit the car, prompting another truck to swerve out of the way and hit the center divide. One of the truck drivers was transported to the hospital, complaining of pain. 

The crash is under investigation. An official on scene told NBC 7 cars were rerouted near Waring Road to a detour. 

"Weโ€™re gathering all our evidence," said the sergeant in charge at the scene. "We've got a scene thatโ€™s about 300 yards long at this point."

All lanes of traffic on I-8 E were closed for nearly eight hours Sunday morning. 

CHP authorities are investigating whether the driver of the BMW was driving under the influence. One of the truck drivers is also suspected of driving under the influence. 

No other information was immediately available.

Contact Us