PCH reopens after hours-long closure in both directions for deadly crash investigation

Pacific Coast Highway has reopened hours after being closed in both directions Friday morning near Malibu for a deadly crash.

The crash happened shortly after 10:30 p.m. Thursday just west of Carbon Canyon when two cars collided head on, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigators.

"A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Mercedes Benz, traveling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway, crossed the center median for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac traveling westbound," said a release from LASD.

They say that one of the drivers, behind the wheel of the Cadillac, died at the scene. On Saturday, he was identified as 44-year-old Martin Okeke.

Two others were hospitalized with injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening, investigators said. 

The roadway was reopened just before 9 a.m., nearly 12 hours after it was first closed by the violent collision. 

Video from the scene shows both cars suffering from significant damage in the middle of the road. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation and anyone with further information is asked to contact investigators at (818) 878-1808.

The crash occurred on the same stretch of road where four Pepperdine University students were struck and killed in October 2023, again raising concerns over how dangerous PCH has proven to be in recent years. 

In the months since, community members have made a concerted effort to try and make the road safer, including two different California state bills that look to add more protection methods like speed cameras and stricter penalties for infractions on PCH. 

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from last night's accident. This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of the City's ongoing efforts to address safety on Pacific Coast Highway," said Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring on Friday after learning of the crash.