Driver Critically Hurt in Crash Off Overpass

An alleged drunk driver who was speeding in the rain on the Simi Valley Freeway was critically injured Monday morning when he lost control of his car and it flew off an overpass onto a Chatsworth street, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Christopher Lopez, 39, of Simi Valley was westbound on the freeway at 12:50 a.m. at an estimated speed of 65 m.p.h. in moderate rain, when his car struck a guardrail, flew off the freeway and crashed onto Topanga Canyon Boulevard, 25 feet below, Officer Dave Kersey said.

Lopez was partially ejected and suffered head and body injuries, Kersey said. He was in critical condition at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, officials said.

Witnesses said his car crossed three lanes of the freeway and into the exit lane at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, but then attempted to swerve back onto the through lanes and hit the guardrail, Kersey said.

Though rain may have played a part in the accident, Lopez was believed to be drunk and will be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when his condition improves, Kersey said.