Fiery, head-on crash in Santa Ysabel sends three to hospital

SANTA YSABEL (KUSI) —11:00 a.m. — Cars driving opposite directions in the Santa Ysabel area crashed head-on Tuesday sending three people to the hospital with injuries, according to California Highway Patrol.

A Nissan Altima driven by a 45-year-old woman veered from its eastbound lanes on State Route 78 near State Route 79 just after 8 a.m. Tuesday. The car then crashed into a BMW headed the opposite way with a 27-year-old man and 20-year-old woman, according to CHP.

The BMW immediately caught fire, CHP said, leaving the male driver trapped inside. All three passengers were transported to the hospital with injuries; The driver of the BMW was airlifted to UCSD Medical Center with major injuries and the BMW’s passenger and driver of the Altima were transported by ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

The collision temporarily shut down SR-78 in both directions as officials worked to clear the accident from blocking traffic. Eastbound lanes of SR-78 were cleared shortly after 9 a.m.

Police continue to investigate the accident to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash, according to police. 

9:20 a.m. — A two vehicle collision in Santa Ysabel near Julian Tuesday morning shut down State Route 78 in both directions as officials attempted to remove one person trapped inside the vehicle.

One vehicle caught on fire after the collision shortly before 8 a.m. CHP, Cal Fire and Heartland Fire arrived on the scene where two people were in critical condition and one was trapped inside the vehicle. Two patients were transported by ambulance, according to officials and one woman was airlifted to Scripps Mercy Hospital. 

Just after 9 a.m., westbound SR-78 remained blocked but eastbound lanes were cleared. Lanes may be closed for over an hour, according to officials. 

This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.