Pregnant Driver Slams Into Pole In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A pregnant woman slammed into a power pole on her way into Laguna Beach Thursday afternoon, Laguna Beach Police reported. Traffic was snarled for hours as the power lines and pole fell into lanes, rendering Laguna Canyon Road inaccessible, Laguna Beach Police Lt. James Cota said.

The woman complained of pain and was taken by ambulance to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, according to Cota. Her condition is not known as of this report.

Laguna Canyon Road was shut down between Canyon Acres and El Toro Road until further notice, officials say. Cal Trans, Edison and Frontier were en route to the scene as of 5 p.m.

Coast Highway should be used as a detour option, officials advised.

The woman was traveling inbound on Laguna Canyon Road when she left the roadway and struck a pole, Cota tells Patch. Though the cause of the crash is being investigated, speed was thought to be a primary factor.

Lanes were closed at approximately 3:15 p.m. and would remain that way until early Friday morning, according to police.

Inbound traffic was backed up to the 73 as officials dealt with the cleanup. Outbound traffic was slowed starting at the Festival Of Arts parking area.