CARLSBAD, Calif. — A California driver survived after crashing his car through a guardrail, off a cliff and into the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, first responders said.
“Especially after going into the water, the fact that the patient is alive is probably a testament to the engineering of the car,” Carlsbad Fire Department battalion chief Kevin Lynds told KSWB.
This is the car that went off the cliff at Palomar Airport Rd & Carlsbad Blvd today. One man inside, who initially got out with the help of a couple people, before rescuers got him up the cliff. You can see all the airbags deployed, which very much may have saved his life. pic.twitter.com/FUsPMi65U0
— Andrew Luria (@AndrewLuria) April 21, 2021
The driver, who has not been identified, was in a Subaru Forester when he careened off Palomar Airport Road around 5:15 p.m., landed on the beach dozens of feet below and eventually in the water, KNSD reported. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. Although his condition is unclear, he possibly injured his legs, pelvis and chest.
The SUV was heavily damaged. Water crashed around it as it rested on the driver-side door on the beach. The car was pulled from the sand by crane and towed away around 7:45 p.m.
WATCH: A driver on a coast road in Carlsbad went flying over a cliff and into the water below, officials said.
— NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) April 21, 2021
Waves could be seen crashing against the car on the beach. https://t.co/T7Qrd9na6i pic.twitter.com/ejshzgH3cM
A retired Navy veteran helped pull the driver from the wreckage before first responders arrived.
“I wish he had hung out because he deserves a lot of kudos,” Lynds said.
Meet a hero tonight on @fox5sandiego! Starting at 4pm, I introduce you to the retired Navy SEAL who pulled a man from this SUV that flew off a Carlsbad cliff. pic.twitter.com/wPFIJSs43d
— Ashley Jacobs (@AshleyJacobsTV) April 21, 2021
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