In the early hours of Thursday, a tragic crash on southbound Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton resulted in the loss of three lives and significant traffic disruptions, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The incident occurred around 3 a.m., just south of Las Pulgas Road, when a Jeep swerved and collided with the guardrail, rendering it disabled in the southbound lanes. Shortly after, a Mercedes van collided with the disabled Jeep, causing it to overturn, as reported by Officer Hunter Gerber of the California Highway Patrol.

This initial impact set off a chain reaction crash, as four motorcyclists subsequently collided with the overturned van. Unfortunately, three of the four motorcyclists involved in the crash succumbed to their injuries at the scene, Officer Gerber confirmed.

Due to the severity of the accident, all lanes of southbound I-5 were closed for a couple of hours during the early morning, leading to significant disruptions in rush hour traffic. Traffic was being diverted off at Las Pulgas Road for the duration of the closure, causing backups that extended until Orange County. Officer Gerber urged motorists to avoid the area if possible, helping to alleviate congestion on the highway.

By 11 a.m., two right lanes at Las Pulgas Road were reopened, providing some relief to the affected commuters. However, the investigation into the crash is still ongoing, and the exact cause of the initial collision has yet to be determined.

The driver of the Mercedes van sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. One of the motorcyclists involved in the incident was also transported to the hospital with major injuries. Additionally, two individuals within the Jeep suffered major, life-threatening injuries, while two occupants of the Mercedes van were transported with moderate injuries.

As of now, no further details on the crash or the individuals involved have been made available, and the CHP has requested that the public stay updated on the situation. It is essential to refresh the page for any updates regarding this tragic incident, as more information may surface and alter the current understanding of the events leading up to the collision.

This devastating crash on southbound Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cautious driving and heightened awareness, particularly during the early morning hours. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this unfortunate incident as they cope with the loss of their loved ones.