One person is dead after head-on vehicle collision in Pala

PALA (KUSI) — At least one person was killed late Friday afternoon in a fiery broadside collision between a big rig and a passenger vehicle on a rural highway in northern San Diego County.

The fatal crash occurred about 4:30 p.m. in the 12700 block of state Route 76 in the Pala area, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A white male adult was driving a 1991 Chevrolet Corvette on State Route 76 westbound near Magee Rd. A 1988 white Ford Automax tractor-trailer combination being driven by Jose Solorio (52, Sun City) was traveling eastbound SR-76 and approaching the Corvette from the opposite direction.

For an unknown reason the driver of the Corvette allowed his vehicle to enter the eastbound lane and collide head-on with the Ford Automax.  The collision caused the Ford Automax to immediately catch fire as the driver safely exited without injury.  The driver of the Chevrolet Corvette succumbed to his injuries as a result of the collision.

The SR-76 traffic lanes remain closed as the investigation continues.  All eastbound SR-76 traffic is being diverted at Pala Mission Rd and westbound SR-76 traffic is being turned around at Pauma Reservation Rd.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation.