St. Patrick’s Day Crash in Escondido Sends Several to Hospital [Escondido, CA]

ESCONDIDO, CA (March 19, 2024) — On St. Patrick’s Day, a severe head-on collision in Escondido resulted in multiple injuries, with eight individuals affected and five, including two minors, hospitalized. 

The incident occurred in the afternoon around 2:30 p.m. on San Pasqual Valley Road near E. 17th Ave., as reported by the Escondido Fire Department and California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Upon arrival, emergency crews encountered a distressing scene with two vehicles — a SUV and a white sedan — showcasing significant front-end damage. According to witnesses, the collision was marked by a loud bang followed by the sight of one of the vehicles catching fire. “We just heard the screech and the loud bang and then we saw the smoke,” shared a neighbor, highlighting the intensity of the crash.

Among the injured, two suffered severe injuries, one being a minor child. The community has expressed ongoing concerns about the safety of the road, noting that while the addition of a stoplight has improved conditions, dangerous accidents continue to occur.

The investigation into the cause of the Escondido St. Patrick’s day crash is ongoing, with a notable clue being a half-empty bottle of Jameson found on the roof of one of the involved vehicles, hinting at possible impairment.