Emergency crews in San Diego County responded on Saturday, April 4, 2026, to a deadly head‑on collision just east of Julian after receiving reports of a severe crash along State Route 78 near Mastros Trailer Park Road. The incident occurred at approximately 2:49–2:50 p.m., when two pickup trucks traveling in opposite directions collided with significant force on the two‑lane highway.
When deputies and firefighters arrived, they found both vehicles heavily damaged and multiple occupants trapped inside. The impact was so violent that extrication tools were required to remove victims from the wreckage. Officials confirmed that 66‑year‑old Jesus Canales Lopez was among those critically injured at the scene.
Lopez was identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office shortly after the crash. He had been driving one of the pickup trucks involved in the collision. Despite rapid medical intervention, Lopez succumbed to his injuries. A second individual, later identified as 72‑year‑old Mark Gerald Vaugh Straass, also died as a result of the crash.
Investigators determined that the two pickups were traveling in opposite directions on the narrow stretch of SR‑78 when one of the vehicles crossed into the oncoming lane, causing the head‑on impact. The collision occurred west of Mastros Trailer Park Road, a rural area with limited shoulder space and no median barrier. Authorities have not yet released information on what caused the vehicle to cross the center line.
Two additional occupants from the vehicles survived but suffered severe injuries. Emergency responders airlifted both survivors to a nearby hospital due to the extent of their trauma. Officials noted that the condition of the roadway and the force of the collision contributed to the complexity of the rescue operation.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including vehicle speed, roadway conditions, and any potential contributing factors. The section of State Route 78 where the collision occurred remains a known high‑risk area due to its curves and limited visibility. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution when traveling through the Julian corridor.