Fiery Crash in Del Mar Injures 5

SAN DIEGO, CA: Five people were hospitalized — four with significant traumatic injuries — after being involved in a two-car crash in Del Mar, authorities said today.

Police responded to reports of a collision at 7:55 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Camino Del Mar and Del Mar Heights roads involving a Kia Soul and Ford Explorer, according to Sgt. Joe Tomaiko of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. He said deputies found the Soul engulfed in flames and all four former occupants lying along the sidewalks nearby.

Fire personnel put out the flames and began treating the occupants of both vehicles, Tomaiko said.

All four occupants of the Soul suffered significant injuries and were transported to nearby trauma units, though none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, according to police. The 53-year-old driver of the Explorer suffered a broken nose and was also transported to a hospital.

A witness told officials the Explorer attempted to turn eastbound onto Del Mar Heights Road against a solid red arrow when the Soul, which was traveling northbound on Camino Del Mar Road, collided with the Ford. The 32- year-old driver of the Soul did not appear to be traveling at an excessive speed, according to another witness.

Drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash, police said.

City News Service