DUI suspected following multi-vehicle crash in Costa Mesa
Police arrested a man suspected of driving in the wrong direction while intoxicated and initiating a multi-vehicle collision in Costa Mesa that sent several people to the hospital Monday, July 27.
The crash happened at about 10:48 a.m., Costa Mesa Police Department spokeswoman Roxi Fyad said. A motorist was seen headed south in northbound lanes of Newport Boulevard, near 19th Street, before the driver’s vehicle collided with at least six other vehicles.
Four people were hurt and rushed to nearby trauma centers, Costa Mesa Fire Capt. Joseph Noceti said. One person had to be freed from the wreckage of a disabled vehicle.
Fernando Rodriguez Rabago, 24, whose last known address was Whittier, was one of those injured, and later identified as the driver suspected of causing the crash, Fyad said. Medical staff treated his injuries before he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
#Sigalert Lanes blocked on 19th Street and Newport Boulevard. Please avoid area as we respond along with @CMFD_PIO pic.twitter.com/ZrhSqd55VE
— Costa Mesa Police (@CostaMesaPD) July 27, 2020
Multiple victim incident traffic collision at Newport Blvd and 19 th street. Multiple victims transported by ambulance to local trauma centers with one victim extricated. Avoid the area due to heavy congestion. pic.twitter.com/f8HAZBAViB
— Costa Mesa FD (@CMFD_PIO) July 27, 2020