Driver Killed, Passenger Severely Hurt After Being Ejected From Vehicle in Watsonville Crash
WATSONVILLE (CBS SF) -- The driver of a car was killed and his passenger was severely hurt in a crash along Highway 129 in Watsonville late Tuesday night.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened on westbound 129 west of Lakeview Road at about 11:41 p.m. The investigation indicated the driver of a 1999 Lexus was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control and drove off the road, colliding into a dirt ditch and overturning several times.
Both the 33-year-old driver and the 44-year-old female passenger, both Watsonville residents, were ejected from the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger suffered major injuries and was taken to Natividad Medical Center.
The CHP said it's believed that alcohol and drugs were a factor in the crash.
This collision was still under investigation. The victims' identities will be released by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Coroner's Office.
