LOCAL : Driver Hurt in Chatsworth Crash
A driver was critically injured this morning when his Ford Bronco flew off an overpass on the Simi Valley Freeway onto a Chatsworth street below, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Christopher Lopez, 39, of Simi Valley, was westbound on the freeway, going an estimated 65 m.p.h. in a moderate rain when his Bronco went out of control at 12:50 a.m. and struck a guardrail before going airborne and crashing 25 feet below on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Officer Dave Kersey said.
Lopez was partially ejected and suffered traumatic injuries to his head and body, Kersey said. He was in critical condition this morning at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, officials said.
Witnesses to the accident said the Bronco crossed three lanes of the freeway moving into the exit lane at Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The driver then attempted to swerve back onto the freeway and hit the guardrail, Kersey said.
Lopez will be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol when his condition improves, Kersey said.
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