San Diego, CA (May 29, 2026) – Two people were killed early Friday morning when a wrong-way driver entered the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on. The crash happened just after 3:00 a.m. near Laurel Street, not far from San Diego International Airport. A car driving north in the southbound fast lane collided with a southbound vehicle, and one of the cars burst into flames after the impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, and the impact of the crash led to the immediate closure of all southbound I-5 lanes. As of 5:15 a.m., traffic was being rerouted via the Washington Street off-ramp, while the Kettner Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-5 remained closed. All impacted lanes were back open by around 6:10 a.m. The names of those involved in the deadly crash were not disclosed. Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the complete details of the crash, with more updates anticipated soon. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the loved ones of those who perished. What Are the Dangers of Wrong-Way Driving on California Freeways? Wrong-way driving ranks among the most fatal categories of highway crashes. When a car mistakenly drives onto a highway against the flow of traffic, approaching motorists have almost no time to respond—particularly at high speeds or in low-light conditions. Crashes of this nature occur more frequently in the early morning, when visibility is reduced and there is less traffic to warn of potential hazards.
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Note: We provide this information as a public resource to help raise awareness and support those who may be affected by similar incidents. Our intent is to honor the victims of accidents and to provide information that may help others avoid similar tragedies in the future. The photos used in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
