South County
A Los Angeles woman was killed and two people injured Thursday when a car made a U-turn on Interstate 5 near Chula Vista, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Irene Beltran, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was one of two passengers in a car driven by her son, Michael, 30, also of Los Angeles. Michael’s wife, Lourdes, 26, was also in the car.
The coroner’s office said it uncertain what caused the woman’s death because she was wearing a seat belt and showed no outward signs of trauma. An autopsy will be performed.
The CHP said the accident occurred at 1:15 p.m. just south of Palomar Street when Cornelia Lebby, 65, of Chula Vista, who was parked on the southbound shoulder of the freeway, made a U-turn and crashed head-on into car carrying the Beltrans.
Lebby’s car then collided with a second car drived by Geraldine Ward, 67, of San Diego. Ward was not injured.
Lebby and Lourdres Beltran were taken to UC San Diego Medical Center, where they reported in fair condition with minor injuries. Michael Beltran was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in Chula Vista, where he was treated and released.
Lebby was not cited but the CHP said an investigation is continuing.
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