A dramatic crash occurred early Sunday morning on November 18, 2024, at approximately 7:15 a.m. on northbound SR-163 near Frazee Rd, just before the transition ramp from Friars Rd. Witnesses reported that the driver of a mini-van was speeding northbound when he suddenly lost control, veering off the freeway and plunging down an embankment. The vehicle collided with the Extra Storage Facility, causing significant damage and creating a large hole in the building.
The mini-van then spun around and caught fire, fully engulfing the vehicle in flames. A Good Samaritan attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer, identified as Officer Steve Reardon, was the first responder on the scene. Despite the intense heat and smoke, Officer Reardon acted swiftly, using a fire extinguisher to control the blaze and breaking the driver’s side window with his baton to reach the trapped victim inside.
San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD) firefighters arrived shortly after and fought the persistent fire, which continued to burn for a while. Once the flames were under control, the firefighters extricated the male driver, who was rushed to the UCSD Burn Center in an undisclosed condition.
The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident, which remains under review.