Car drives off California cliff, then disappears

January 2, 2020

By CCT STAFF

An SUV missed a turn on Highway 1 in San Mateo County on Monday, plunged off a cliff and then disappeared along with its driver. [Mercury News]

Dash cam footage shows the SUV missing the turn and driving off the cliff. Authorities have thus far been unable to locate the vehicle and its driver, which appear to have plunged into the water below the cliff.

It is also unclear whether there were any other occupants in the vehicle.

The northbound vehicle drove off a cliff near Gray Whale Cove State Beach. The United States Coast Guard said the vehicle, a green Lexus SUV, was speeding along the shoulder of Highway 1 prior to driving off the cliff without appearing to slow down.

In the dash cam footage, the SUV is momentarily seen airborne before it disappears from the frame.

The southbound driver whose dash cam recorded the video said the SUV flew off the cliff at about 11 a.m. There does not appear to be any other witness to the SUV driving off the cliff.

Rescue personnel searched for the vehicle and driver in water up to 40 feet near the base of the cliff, but failed to locate either the SUV or the person.

Search crews found tire tracks on the cliff. They also found vehicle parts in the water, but it is unclear if they belonged to the SUV.

Dangerous conditions have at times forced to officials to halt the search. An investigation into the cause of the crash is also ongoing.


Loading...
3 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

I’m truly sorry for this motorist and hope for a miracle survival, but hey, the whole STATE is being driven off a cliff by the madcap Legislature. I’d say the same remark if CCN had posted an article and photo about a messy train wreck.


Spidey Senses on HIGH! I’m going with intentional and premeditated. Google Earth that spot…just a tiny bit south of the State Park mentioned. No braking, skidding, swerving, just full speed. Couldn’t have hit it any better. The precise launch point spot to catch that little pocket of an inlet to reach the water, otherwise rocky bluffs.


Yes of course it was very exciting and entertaining.