Title: Car plunges hundreds of feet off Devil's Slide along California's Highway 1, killing 3
Introduction: A tragic accident occurred on California's famed Highway 1 when a car plunged off a cliff, falling hundreds of feet and resulting in the deaths of all three occupants. The incident took place at Devil's Slide, a notorious stretch of road known for its treacherous hairpin turns and steep seaside cliffs.
Details of the Accident: The two-door grey sedan plummeted down the cliff just after 11 a.m. on Friday, according to a news release from the California Highway Patrol. The vehicle came to rest approximately 300 to 400 feet down an embankment near Devil's Slide, located about 15 miles south of San Francisco. Photos from the scene posted by KTVU-TV showed the car upside down but still visible in the water below.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts: Rescuers managed to reach the car on Friday and recovered two bodies. A third body was retrieved on Saturday, with authorities noting that high tide had created "incredibly dangerous" conditions. The deceased were identified as 36-year-old Brylyn Aroma of Fort Riley, Kansas, and 29-year-old Mohammad Noory and 28-year-old Angelica Gacho, both of San Francisco.
Investigation and Road Closure: The crash remains under investigation. The car was eventually removed from the water by a tow truck. Authorities temporarily closed the highway for one-way traffic on the south side of Devil's Slide around 2:45 p.m. Friday. The road was later closed in both directions as investigators worked to recover the car and its passengers. Traffic resumed around 6:15 p.m.
Historical Context and Safety Concerns: California's Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is renowned for its picturesque yet dangerous cliffsides. It is a popular route among tourists and locals alike. This incident is not the first at Devil's Slide; a California doctor was charged with three counts of attempted murder in January 2023 after allegedly driving his family off the same cliff, injuring his wife and children. Brian Pottenger, a battalion chief with Cal Fire, has noted the rarity of survivors in crashes along Devil's Slide, describing survival as "an absolute miracle."
Conclusion: The tragic accident at Devil's Slide serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by California's scenic yet perilous highways. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to this devastating event and ensuring the safety of all travelers along Highway 1.
Contributing: Thao Nguyen, Natalie Neysa Alund. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Car plunges hundreds of feet off Devil's Slide in California, killing 3