Vista Car Crash on State Route 78, Near Emerald Drive

Minor Injury Crash Snarls Traffic on SR-78 in Vista

Vista, CA (May 8, 2025) — A two-vehicle crash in Vista caused traffic delays on westbound State Route 78 near Emerald Drive Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The incident, which occurred around 7:51 a.m. on May 8th, involved a green Volvo SUV and a blue Nissan sedan. Both vehicles ended up partially blocking the No. 1 lane and resting in the center divide, prompting CHP to report traffic disruption in the area.

Authorities initially classified the collision as involving possible injuries, later updating it to a minor injury incident. Emergency responders were dispatched, and at least one tow truck was requested to the scene to clear the vehicles. By 8:14 a.m., CHP reported lane closures were in effect, and traffic was experiencing an estimated 40-minute delay if vehicles could not access alternate routes via the right-hand shoulder or center divide.

By 8:20 a.m., CHP confirmed that traffic was moving again and that the roadway was clear. The Freeway Service Patrol closed their related incident shortly afterward, and no major injuries were reported.

Motorists in the area experienced residual delays, but the scene was fully cleared by 8:44 a.m.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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