SAN DIEGO–Nine people were injured, and a family of four were killed instantly after a pickup truck flew off the Coronado Bridge, and landed at Chicano Park during the La Raza Biker festival, authorities said Saturday.
The fatal accident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. where a large crowd gathered at the park for the biker festival, according to California Highway Patrol.
CHP spokesman Jake Sanchez said the driver of the GMC truck was traveling northbound on Interstate 5, transitioning westbound towards Coronado when the driver lost control, struck a guardrail and flew 60 feet down and landed on Chicano Park.
Sanchez, at a press conference Saturday afternoon, he described the scene as “horrible.”
“We feel for their families. It’s unfortunate,” he said.
The driver, identified as 24-year-old Richard Anthony Sepolio, a member of the U.S. Navy who was stationed in Coronado, was seriously injured in the vehicle crash. He was transported to UC San Diego Hospital. His condition is unknown.
Authorities said Sepolio was intoxicated at the time of the crash, and will face charges of driving under the influence, and causing injury or death.
The nine people with moderate injuries were transported to local hospitals. Their conditions are unknown.
The identities of the four people killed will be released, pending notification of family members.
