Car crashes off Santa Cruz cliff, one dead and another injured
A vehicle went over West Cliff Drive near Steamer Lane early Thursday, killing one occupant and injuring another after plunging into the ocean.
Early Thursday morning, a car drove off the iconic West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz near the popular Steamer Lane surf break, falling into the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Cruz Fire Department reported the crash at about 12:50 a.m. One individual managed to get out of the vehicle and suffered only minor injuries. Rescue swimmers searched for a second person believed to be trapped inside; firefighters eventually extracted that occupant, who later succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.
All five Santa Cruz fire units, three units from the Central Fire District, a battalion chief from Scotts Valley Fire, and Santa Cruz police were dispatched. Dramatic footage showed a red car being hoisted from the turbulent water by a crane as waves crashed against the cliffs.
Why it matters
The accident highlights safety risks on a heavily visited coastal road and the need for swift emergency response.
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