Passenger killed in suspected collision under the influence of alcohol

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A passenger was killed in a suspected drunk driving crash on State Route 52 over the weekend, authorities said.

The collision occurred at about 2:28 a.m. on eastbound SR-52, west of Convoy Street, California Highway Patrol Lt. Salvador Castro said in a news release Thursday.

According to authorities, a 25-year-old man driving a Nissan Altima was traveling at an unknown speed at the above location when his car left the road and struck a tree.

“In the accident, an unidentified passenger was partially ejected from the Nissan and remained trapped inside the car as it burst into flames,” Castro said.

The passenger could not be freed from the Nissan and succumbed to his injuries. His identity is being kept secret until next of kin are notified.

The 25-year-old driver was hospitalized with serious injuries, according to the CHP. After being released, the driver was booked into the San Diego County Jail on several DUI-related charges.

Anyone who witnessed or had information about the accident is asked to contact the CHP San Diego Area at 858-293-6000.