A driver survived after flying off a cliff in Southern California and landing upside down on the beach following a police pursuit, according to authorities.
The incident occurred in Carlsbad shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday when the driver crashed into a fence at Carlsbad’s Fleet Maintenance Department building, prompting a police chase, as reported by Carlsbad police.
The driver, who remains unidentified, ignored officers’ attempts to stop him, but the pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.
Shortly after, the vehicle drove off the cliff and onto South Carlsbad State Beach, falling several feet below, in front of police officers.
An eyewitness described seeing four police vehicles trailing the car before witnessing it go over the edge, as stated in a report by NBC San Diego.
Another witness mentioned that the car seemed to be driving normally with hazard lights on before suddenly driving off the cliff.
Video footage captured the overturned red sedan at the base of the cliff, with smoke emanating from it, while onlookers watched in shock.
Emergency personnel responded promptly, providing medical assistance to the driver who sustained life-threatening injuries before being transported to a hospital.
Despite the severity of the crash, the driver is expected to recover from the incident.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with authorities ruling out drugs or alcohol as contributing factors.
