Escondido CA— Early this morning, Wednesday September 20, 2017 at approximately 2:40am, a 22-year-old male from Oceanside was driving his 2007 Honda Civic southbound on Bear Valley Parkway, south of San Pasqual Valley Road at an unknown speed. For reasons still under investigation, he veered across the roadway into the opposing traffic lanes, left the roadway and struck a tree.
Residents from nearby homes responded to assist when they heard the collision take place. When they arrived, the vehicle was on fire and they were unable to assist the unresponsive driver who was trapped within.
Escondido Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and were able to extinguish the flames and access the driver. Upon reaching the driver, they discovered he was alive. Fire personnel removed him from the vehicle and treated him.
The driver suffered life threatening injuries including burns to approximately 80% of his body and was transported by air ambulance to UCSD Medical Center.
Alcohol or drugs are not suspected in this collision. The identity of the Oceanside man has not been released at this time.
The roadway was closed during the scene investigation, and opened at approximately 6:30 am. This collision remains under investigation.