We now know why so many SAPD police units were at Main St. and Warner Ave. in the Historic South Main Business District last night. Two people died and five others were hospitalized after a horrific four-vehicle crash caused by a speeding wrong-way driver.
Police responded just after 6:30 p.m. to the crash near Main Street and Warner Avenue, where they found two people dead, according to the SAPD.
SAPD police investigators learned that a BMW was speeding northbound on Main Street, when it careened into the opposing lane of traffic, driving the wrong way as it proceeded to smash into one vehicle, which then crashed into another vehicle, according to the SAPD.
The BMW kept on going and then lost control, crashing into another vehicle in the northbound lane.
A video posted to social media showed the BMW driving the wrong way at a high rate of speed as seen above.
Police did not immediately reveal which vehicle or vehicles the victims were killed were in. Five people were hospitalized with minor injuries.
The SAPD did not identify the wrong-way driver.
Potential Penalties the Driver Could Face
If the wrong-way driver had survived, they could have faced several serious criminal charges under California law, including:
- Vehicular Manslaughter:
- If the crash was caused by negligence (e.g., speeding), the driver could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
- If drugs or alcohol were involved, the charge could escalate to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which carries harsher penalties.
- Reckless Driving:
- Driving at high speed in the wrong lane constitutes reckless driving, a misdemeanor that can lead to jail time, fines, and license suspension.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
- If toxicology reports show the driver was impaired, DUI charges could apply, especially if it contributed to the fatalities.
- Felony Charges:
- Causing death while committing a traffic violation can lead to felony charges, especially if there’s a history of reckless or impaired driving.
- Civil Liability:
- Beyond criminal penalties, the driver (or their estate, if deceased) could face civil lawsuits from victims or their families for damages, medical costs, and wrongful death.
Authorities are still investigating whether alcohol or drugs were a factor.