SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Northbound lanes of Interstate 5 through National City were shut down early Saturday following a deadly crash.
The two-vehicle collision occurred just after the State Route 54 connector, according to California Highway Patrol. All traffic was being diverted off I-5 at the Mile of Cars. Traffic was also being diverted off WB SR-54 onto Highland Ave.
Traffic gridlocked in the area, backing up onto the E St. on ramp in Chula Vista and westbound Sr-54 connector, according to CHP. Some motorists were seen turning around on the on ramp and driving the wrong direction.
CHP reported that all NB I-5 lanes were reopened just before 11 a.m.
The cause of the crash is being investigated. But CHP said it appeared a Toyota Tacoma was speeding in the emergency lane to get around traffic and caused a chain-reaction crash involving at least four vehicles.
That suspected driver of that truck reportedly took off after causing the crash, CHP said. Officers were searching for that driver Saturday morning.
One person died in the multi-vehicle crash. That person has not been identified.
