2 Die As Car Flies Off Highway 1 Cliff Near Big Sur, Bursts Into Flames

BIG SUR (CBS SF) -- Two people were killed early Tuesday when the rental car they were in careened off a Highway 1 cliff near Big Sur and exploded into flames, authorities said.

Matt Harris, Big Sure Volunteer Fire Brigade fire chief, said firefighters responded to a call reporting the crash 10 miles south of Big Sur Village around 3:30 a.m.

Arriving firefighters were confronted with a brush fire down the cliff and a car ablaze. The crash was then reported to the California Highway Patrol and Monterey County Sheriff Office, who also responded to the scene.

Once the fire was brought under control, a search and rescue team reached the charred vehicle -- a rental 2018 Chevrolet Camero -- and made a grisly discovery -- two victims were found dead inside burned out car.

The identity of the victims have not yet been released. Investigators said they did not suspect alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation.