Driver killed after fiery crash in Mira Mesa
by FOX 5 Digital Team
Updated at 10:23PM, May 30, 2017
SAN DIEGO, CA - A man died after his car spun out, crashed into a tree and caught fire on a Mira Mesa street Tuesday, authorities said.
The vehicle veered off Mercy Road near Black Mountain Road, struck a tree and began burning about 4 p.m., according to San Diego police.
A witness told FOX 5 the car appeared to be speeding before the crash. This is also confirmed by the simple fact that the car was almost split in half upon impact with the defenseless tree.
A man died after his car spun out and hit a tree in Mira Mesa on May 30, 2017. (Photo: Michelle Kalchik)
Scripps Ranch-area resident Michelle Kalchik saw black smoke as she was driving on Black Mountain Road and thought it was a brush fire. Then, she rounded the curve and saw the engulfed car.
"People were pulling over," Kalchik said. "I pulled over ahead and could see people behind me doing the same. The accident had just happened."
The motorist, whose name was not immediately available, died at the scene, Officer Billy Hernandez said.
The wreck forced closures of stretches of Mercy and Chabola roads and part of nearby Branicole Lane. All lanes reopened by 8 p.m.