By Gina Yarbrough
Shortly after 9 a.m., the driver’s Volvo station wagon was traveling westbound in the 1500 block of B Street when it suddenly veered to the right and struck multiple pedestrians on the sidewalk. The vehicle returned on the roadway and stopped in the number one lane before exiting the tunnel, according to San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit.
“He walked over, and from what I understand, he was trying to render aid when he was contacted and self-identified as the driver of the vehicle,” Chief Nisleit said at a news conference.
The victims were mostly homeless people who had gathered underneath the bridge to take shelter from the wind and rain. The area had tents and personal belongings scattered along the tunnel.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Chief Colin Stowell said the three people died at the scene. The other six were treated at the location and transported to area hospitals. Two of the victims are in critical condition.
“A very tragic emergency incident that impacts all of us, and it was a tremendous effort by both law enforcement and fire to do their best,” San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Chief Colin Stowell said at the news conference.
The driver, identified as Craig Voss, was detained and arrested by San Diego police for driving while impaired.
The incident is under investigation.