Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Fatal accident occurs on Interstate 15 at Gopher Canyon

BONSALL - On December 19, a wrong-way driver caused a series of crashes on Interstate 15 in the Deer Springs area, including one that killed a 29-year-old active-duty Marine who was thrown from his Harley Davidson, authorities said today.

At approximately 6:31 pm several motorists called 911 to report a wrong way driver traveling northbound in the southbound center divide and at times partially in the #1 lane just north of Deer Springs Rd at a slow rate of speed. Shortly after the calls started coming in the vehicle sideswiped a 2006 Ford F-150 driven by a 52 year old male from Vista. That collision caused minor damage to the F-150 and its driver reported no injuries.

The vehicle now identified as a 2000 Ford Escort stopped for a short time in the center divide after the collision but then continued wrong way in the center divide. The vehicle was now approaching Gopher Canyon Rd. when it hit the concrete bridge railing over Gopher Canyon Rd at approximately 6:36 pm. This collision caused the vehicle to veer into the #1 lane and overturn. Shortly after overturning the vehicle struck a 2013 Kia Optima driven by a 59 year old male from San Diego. This vehicle sustained minor damage and the driver did not report any injuries.

After the Ford Escort struck the Kia in the #1 lane it was coming to rest in the lane when a 29 year old male from Fallbrook was riding his 1993 Harley Davidson Motorcycle approached the scene. He attempted to apply his brakes but was unsuccessful and collided into the Ford Escort causing him to be ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was transported to Palomar Hospital but was pronounced dead enroute.

The driver of the 2000 Ford Escort is identified as 63 year old Robert Sidney Bowman of Valley Center, he was transported to Palomar Hospital with unknown injuries. At this time it is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a factor in this collision or if it was a medical emergency. Chemical tests are pending. The driver may face several charges depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The collision remains under investigation.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/28/2024 17:35