Head-on collision
Wreckage from the head-on collision. Gilberto Gonzalez/SoCal News Outlet

Four people were killed and a fifth seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on State Route 76 in Pala Mesa late Friday night.

The California Highway Patrol said a single driver in a Chrysler 300 sedan traveling eastbound veered to the left and into oncoming traffic at 11:18 p.m. on a stretch of highway east of Horse Ranch Creek Road.

A Jeep Gladiator collided with the Chrysler, and a following Toyota Camry was side-swiped.

The driver of the Chrysler, along with the driver of the Jeep and two passengers died at the scene. A third passenger in the Jeep was seriously injured.

Officers said the identities of the victims will be released by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

They said it isn’t known whether alcohol or drugs were involved in the collision and asked anyone with information to call (760) 643-3400.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.