Marine Loses Control of Car, Hits 4 Boys in Bonsall

A 22-year-old Vista man struck four Bonsall boys Friday when he lost control of his car as he sped around a curve, the California Highway Patrol said.

Francisco Otero was reportedly heading east on North River Road about 8 a.m. as he entered a curve at 45 m.p.h., according to CHP spokesman Tom Christian, who said the posted speed limit for the curve is 15 m.p.h. Otero lost control of his vehicle and apparently drove onto the shoulder of the road where four boys, three of whom are brothers, were walking to a bus stop.

Two of the boys were airlifted to Palomar Medical Center, and the others were taken to Tri-City Medical Center, but officials later took one of the brothers to UC San Diego Medical Center for further treatment.

Willie Corbin, 11, who received a concussion, was treated and released Friday morning. Aaron Corbin, 9, was listed in fair condition Friday night with a broken leg, Palomar spokeswomen Nancy Sayre and Amy De Noble said.

Sean Corbin, 8, who complained of rib pain, was listed in good condition at UCSD Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Eileen Callahan said.

The fourth boy, James Phillip, 10, who suffered a broken right arm and a broken wrist, was treated and released from Tri-City Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Mary Ann Conover said.

Otero, a Marine and an unlicensed driver, told CHP officers that the boys were walking in the road when the accident took place, Christian said. But the boys, backed by witnesses, said they were walking on the shoulder, officials said.

CHP officers are expected to recommend that Otero be prosecuted for driving at an unsafe speed.