Two Pendleton Marines killed in I-5 crash
ENCINITAS – Two Camp Pendleton Marines who tried to get out of a car after it hit a center wall on an Encinitas freeway Saturday were fatally struck by another vehicle allegedly driven by an intoxicated man, authorities said.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20051203-1110-marinescrash.html
11:10 a.m. December 3, 2005
ENCINITAS – Two Camp Pendleton Marines who tried to get out of a car after it hit a center wall on an Encinitas freeway Saturday were fatally struck by another vehicle allegedly driven by an intoxicated man, authorities said.
The crashes happened about 3 a.m. on northbound Interstate 5 just south of Encinitas Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Volvo in which the Marines – ages 21 and 22 – were in ended up in the far left lane following the crash into the wall, Medical Examiner Investigator Michael Ellano said.
Before they were completely out of the car, a Honda Accord moving at more than 100 mph slammed into the Volvo, causing major blunt force trauma to the Marines, Ellano said.
The Honda driver was taken to a hospital, where he underwent surgery for a broken heel, the CHP said.
He was to be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Ellano said.
Authorities shut down the southbound lanes for three hours while they investigated the crash and cleared the wreckage, the CHP said.
Marine Corps officials have not released the names of the victims.