10 Freeway wrong-way crash: Father was under the influence during time of deadly morning wreck, CHP says

LOS ANGELES - Investigators with the California Highway Patrol said a father suspected of being under the influence was behind the wheel with two others, including his own child, when he collided head-on with another vehicle in a wrong-way crash on the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday morning. The innocent driver was killed upon impact. 

Around 4:30 a.m., authorities received a call regarding the driver of a four-door Kia that was traveling westbound on the eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway. A short time later, the Kia collided with a Honda just south of the Santa Fe Avenue exit. Once crews with the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene, the driver of the Honda was pronounced dead, while the three people inside the Kia, including a child under the age of 5, were rushed to an area hospital. 

Initial reports said the three people inside the Honda suffered severe injuries, but officials later clarified their injuries were considered minor to moderate. 

Officials said once the suspect is given medical clearance, he will be arrested on suspicion of DUI. 

An innocent driver was killed in a wrong-way crash on the 10 Freeway on the morning of Oct. 19, 2023.

A SigAlert was in effect for hours following the crash for the investigation. All lanes reopened just before 9 a.m.