Driver Slams Into Pole, Dies In Fatal Newport Beach Crash

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A driver fled from authorities and collided with a palm tree and pole in an explosive crash early Tuesday morning, police say.

The 29-year-old, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a woman who was wearing her seat belt, was freed from the twisted wreckage and taken to the hospital in unknown condition.

"Shortly after 1 a.m., Newport Beach police pursued the driver southbound on Balboa Boulevard," CHP Officer Florentino Olivera told the media.

The driver accelerated away at a "high rate of speed," Olivera said. With nowhere to go off the peninsula, the driver turned around, heading north. Then, the crash occurred, according to Olivera.

Debris from the crash littered the intersection, with the engine ejected 100 feet from the crash scene. One of the car's tires was found about 300 feet away, according to Olivera.

Drivers were told to avoid the area between 21st and 26th Streets in both directions, Monday morning, due to a traffic collision's ongoing investigation.

As of 8:15 a.m., the closures were:
-- Balboa Boulevard between 22nd and 24th streets;
-- 23rd Street, just west of Oceanfront;
-- Oceanfront between 21st and 23rd streets;
-- 22nd and 24th streets in both directions.

This report will be updated as more information is released.