I-5 crash kills motorist, injures another near Del Mar

A woman was killed and another motorist was injured on Interstate 5 near Del Mar early Wednesday, June 24, in a chain-reaction crash that caused a miles-long backup during the morning commute, according to the California Highway Patrol and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

The victim’s brown Nissan Sentra stalled for unknown reasons in the northbound freeway lanes approaching Via de la Valle and was struck by another vehicle shortly before 5 a.m. Two other cars then became involved, according to officials.

The Nissan’s driver died at the scene, fire officials said. Her name was not immediately released.

Another motorist involved in the crash was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash left all northbound lanes blocked except the carpool lane and caused lengthy delays. The exit to Via de la Valle remained open, authorities said. Northbound traffic was backed up to the Interstate 5/805 split for a time this morning.

A SigAlert was issued after the crash, but was later lifted and the lanes were reopened.