Suspected DUI Crash On I-5 Leaves 1 Dead, 8 Injured

IRVINE, CA — One woman was killed and nine others were injured early Thursday morning during a multi-car crash on southbound Interstate 5, California Highway Patrol officer Florentino Olivera said.

Interstate 5 through Irvine was at a complete stop near Alton Parkway following the collision between nine vehicles, authorities have said. That roadway reopened shortly after noon, following investigations by the CHP.

The CHP said that shortly after 1:30 a.m., witnesses saw a Dodge Challenger that was driving at speeds upwards of 100-miles-per-hour. The vehicle was seen swerving shortly before the crash, a witness told reporters. Multiple 911 calls were made prior to the deadly wreck.

The 22-year-old driver, whose name has not yet been released, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to CHP.

The Challenger's driver "did cause the first collision, and the second traffic collision occurred within ten minutes," Olivera said. He was taken to the hospital, authorities said.

A 24-year-old Chula Vista woman was killed in the collision. Her identity has not yet been released. Subsequent "chain reaction" collisions between other vehicles occurred following the first crash.

Eight patients, including a baby and young two boys, were rushed to area trauma centers shortly after Orange County Fire Authority medics arrived, OCFA Capt. Tony Bommarito reported. Another woman was transported with minor injuries.

Southbound lanes were closed until 12:30 p.m. while CHP investigated the deadly crash.

OCFA photo