A fatal crash early Thursday morning led to the complete closure of northbound lanes on Interstate 15 just north of state Route 76, causing significant delays for commuters in North County. The California Highway Patrol reported the incident shortly after 4 a.m., prompting authorities to shut down all northbound lanes for an investigation.
Details regarding the number of vehicles involved or the identity of the deceased have not yet been released. As of 6 a.m., northbound traffic was being diverted at SR-76 while investigators remained on the scene.
Southbound lanes also experienced delays due to onlookers slowing down to view the aftermath. Officials advised drivers to seek alternative routes, including Pala Temecula Road, Rice Canyon Road, and Old Highway 395.
Additionally, the westbound and eastbound SR-76 on-ramps to I-15 were closed. Shortly before 8 a.m., crews reopened the far right lane on northbound I-15, but there was no estimated time for a full reopening of all lanes.
The CHP continues to investigate the cause of the crash.