Update: The driver who was killed in the single vehicle accident has been identified by the San Diego County Coroners office as Arthur Walker of Escondido
Escondido CA— On March 17th, 2016 at approximately 8:50 am a 37-year-old male from Escondido was driving his 2006 SAAB 97X SUV northbound on Bear Valley Parkway south of SR-78 at an unknown speed. According to a witness the driver veered to the right off the road directly into a eucalyptus tree without applying the brakes.
The witness, a 62-year-old male from Escondido, stopped and attempted to get the driver out of the vehicle. When he realized that he could not get the driver out of the vehicle he focused on a
2-year-old in his car seat in the back. He was able to remove the 2-year-old from the car seat and start life saving measures.
Shortly after removing the child from the vehicle, the SAAB started on fire and the driver was not able to make it out. He was pronounced dead on scene. The 2-year-old was transported to Palomar Hospital where he was also pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.
After further investigation it was determined that the driver was the child’s father.
At this time it is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a factor in this collision. It remains under investigation.