A wrong-way driver crashed head-on into a vehicle near Morro Bay on Highway 1, igniting a fire and causing minor to moderate injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol. The incident occurred around 4:09 p.m. Tuesday when a silver Hyundai entered the northbound lanes southbound and collided with a white Lexus near the Morro Bay Boulevard off-ramp. As of 4:17 p.m., one vehicle was on fire, but all occupants had exited safely.

The CHP stated alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Traffic slowed significantly at the scene, compounding delays from other rain-related incidents earlier that evening, including a rollover on Highway 41 and a separate collision near the Elephant Seal Boardwalk parking lot. This sequence of events underscores ongoing safety challenges on regional roadways during adverse weather conditions.