One killed, several with major injuries in Spring Valley head-on collision

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The passenger of an SUV involved in a head-on crash in the Spring Valley area of San Diego has died while the others involved were hospitalized with major injuries and both vehicles were heavily damaged, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports.

The crash caused major traffic delays on Jamacha Road near Darby Street after police fully closed the road for several hours Saturday night.

According to CHP, at 8:54 p.m. Saturday, a 48-year-old Spring Valley man was traveling east on Jamacha Road with two passengers in a Toyota Camry, while a 50-year-old El Cajon man with a woman passenger was traveling west on the same road in a Nissan Rogue.

CHP reports the cause of the collision is still under investigation, but at this time the investigation shows the driver of the Camry reportedly crossed the concrete center divider and crashed head-on into the Nissan.

FOX 5/KUSI reported Saturday night first responders had to free at least two people trapped in one of the vehicles. Both vehicles were reported to have major damage.

Everyone involved were taken to area hospitals with major injuries, except a child in the backseat of the Camry who was taken to Rady's Children's Hospital for precautionary measures, CHP reports.

The 50-year-old woman passenger in the SUV was pronounced dead later at the hospital.

CHP report alcohol is believed to be a factor in this collision.

"Driving under the influence continues to be one of the primary causes of traffic collisions resulting in serious injury or death," said Captain Monteagudo. "The California Highway Patrol remains committed to ensuring the safety of all who travel on our roadways and will continue to take proactive measures to prevent impaired driving and head-on collisions."

The San Diego Medical Examiner's Office will identify the woman who died in the collision at a later time.