By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–A semi-truck crashed into a Starbucks early Tuesday morning, causing significant structural damage and prompting a large-scale emergency response, fire officials said.
At approximately 4:44 a.m., the Oceanside Fire Department responded to reports of a vehicle collision at the Starbucks located at 801 N Coast Highway. Upon arrival, crews discovered that a semi-truck had veered off the roadway and smashed into the front of the building, breaching its structure.
Firefighters found the truck’s driver trapped inside the cab. However, an active electrical hazard at the scene delayed the rescue effort until the arrival of San Diego Gas & Electric crews, who shut down power to the building. Once the area was secured, firefighters safely extricated the driver.
Starbucks employees and nearby occupants were evacuated without further incident. One employee and the truck driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla by paramedics.
San Diego Fire-Rescue’s hazardous materials team was placed on standby due to concerns over a potential diesel fuel spill from the truck. No hazardous materials have been reported at this time.
The building has been deemed temporarily unsafe pending a full structural assessment. Power in the surrounding area was cut during the incident, and SDG&E crews were working to restore service.
Traffic along Coast Highway was affected for several hours and motorists were advised to seek alternate routes.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Oceanside Police Department.
Despite the severity of the crash, authorities expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred. They commended the coordinated response of emergency crews, police, and utility workers in managing the situation safely and efficiently.
