SAN MATEO COUNTY — Four people were critically injured Monday after the Tesla they were in careened off Highway 1 near Devil’s Slide, according to Cal Fire.
The crash was reported shortly before 11 a.m. on the highway south of the Tom Lantos Tunnels.
Two adults and two children were in the car, which landed about 250 feet over the side of the steep embankment, according to Cal Fire officials at the scene. The four passengers were considered “critical patients” after the crash, and rescuers were trying to reach the car this afternoon. Air ambulances were also sent to assist, Cal Fire said on social media.
Expect delays after a vehicle went over the side of the cliff at Devil’s Slide. WATCH pic.twitter.com/dtL7BaBiE4
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 2, 2023
At least one witness said the car was headed south on Highway 1 when it swerved and went over the edge, according to Cecile Juliette, the public information officer for Cal Fire San Mateo.
“We believe [the Tesla] flipped several times and landed on its wheels,” Juliette said. “The California Highway Patrol is investigating how the accident happened.”
Cal Fire officials sent to the crash site said that at first, they weren’t sure if anyone had survived the grisly crash, Juliette said.
“They managed to look into the car using their binoculars, and they were able to see hand movements in the front seat, so they knew they had at least one person who was alive,” Juliette said.
This morning, a vehicle with 2 adults and 2 minors went over cliff at Devil’s Slide in @sanmateoco. Witnesses saw the accident and called 911. The car plunged hundreds of feet down the cliff and landed on the beach. All four patients were successfully rescued. Watch the video! pic.twitter.com/HUM2SJ56Oy
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 3, 2023
From there, first responders were able to bring the two children to the top of the cliff, followed by the two adults. All four passengers remain hospitalized, Juliette said.
Officials are unsure if the Tesla was in self-driving mode at the time of the crash and are still investigating the accident.
Bay City News contributed to this report. Check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com