[Update] Highway 154 Closed Due to Two Accidents

[Update: Apr. 10, 2023, 4:20 p.m.] The 154 was back open by about 3:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol reported.

[Original Story] Traffic is at a standstill on the San Marcos Pass due to a couple of incidents. Old San Marcos Road is also blocked, and State Route 154 is currently closed at Cathedral Oaks Road.

A Volvo went over the edge of the steep and winding 154 around 1:30 p.m., and the road was closed as County Fire personnel, paramedics, Sheriff’s deputies, and CHP responded. Two people with minor injuries were brought up from about 100 feet down the canyon via a “technical rescue.” A helicopter was seen circling overhead, though they were taken to the hospital via ground transport.

A second incident involved a tour bus becoming stuck about 45 minutes later on Old San Marcos Road, an even steeper, windier, and much more narrow road than the 154. The bus was described by California Highway Patrol as being stuck in a switchback.

The 154 will remain closed until the traffic accident is cleared. Highway 101 is open to north- and southbound traffic.