Tragedy on SR-163:
A significant stretch of southbound State Route 163 was closed early Friday due to a traffic accident that resulted in four fatalities and the arrest of two drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). The collision, involving three vehicles, was reported near Interstate 805 around 1:30 a.m. When the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived, they found multiple people lying on the roadway beside two Toyota Priuses and a Toyota Tacoma overturned on its roof.
At the accident scene, two deaths were confirmed, and two other individuals were transported to a local hospital, where they were subsequently pronounced dead. All four victims were inside a Prius that ended up on the left shoulder, according to Sergeant Melissa Andrews. It is unclear whether the victims were wearing seat belts.
The names of the victims have not yet been released, but investigators indicate that three of them were men aged between 25 and 30. Authorities are still working to identify the fourth individual.
The driver of the overturned Tacoma was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The truck had no passengers, and no injuries were reported, Sergeant Andrews said.
The other Prius ended up on the right shoulder, beyond the truck. The driver of this vehicle was also arrested for DUI. This Prius also had no passengers, and no injuries were reported, Andrews added.
CHP Officer Sal Castro commented, "We always deliver the message every holiday, every time we're in front of the camera—don't drink and drive—but people continue to do it. There is no excuse for it, and it affects many people."
A SigAlert was issued, and all southbound lanes of SR-163 were closed for over 11 hours, impacting the morning rush hour. During this time, the accident investigation team measured and collected evidence while traffic was diverted around the crash site. All lanes were reopened by 1:30 p.m., according to Caltrans San Diego.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Authorities are working to determine if there were two separate incidents.
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