Fatal wrong-way crash in San Jose caused by DUI driver: CHP

(KRON) — A suspected DUI driver who was traveling the wrong way on a San Jose highway early Monday morning crashed into another vehicle, killing a passenger, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The fatal collision occurred around 2:18 a.m. on Highway 87, just north of Taylor Street. Arriving CHP officers determined that a 2017 Dodge Durango was driving northbound in the southbound lanes when it crashed into a Nissan Altima.

“The driver of the Nissan swerved to the left to avoid a crash while the driver of the Dodge swerved to the right to avoid a crash,” CHP said. “The front right of the Nissan crashed with the right front of the Dodge.”

Front seat passengers in the Nissan and the Dodge were transported to the hospital with critical injuries, according to authorities. The passenger of the Nissan, identified by authorities as a 36-year-old man from San Jose, was later pronounced deceased.

The drivers in both vehicles sustained minor injuries, CHP said.

The driver of the Dodge, a 24-year-old man from Mountain View, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, CHP said.

All lanes of Highway 87 were reopened just after 4 a.m.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact the CHP San Jose Area Office at 408-961-0900.