Car Crashes Onto Beach Near Devil's Slide

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Law enforcement officials recovered Tuesday a vehicle that landed on the beach after apparently crashing off Highway 1. The operation prompted the partial closure of the highway for several hours.

According to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, Highway 1 was reduced to one lane with traffic control and major delays were expected.

"Please avoid Hwy 1 between Moss Beach & Pacifica," sheriff's officials tweeted at 3:30 p.m. "We anticipate crews will be out here for a few more hours."

However, after running into some issues, the area wasn't clear until late Tuesday.

"Coastal car recovery has been met with a few unanticipated challenges & the estimated time of re-opening the roadway could be another 4-6 hours," sheriff's officials said. "The car frame is wedged between two cliffs & is proving to be very difficult to remove."

Coastal car recovery has been met with a few unanticipated challenges & the estimated time of re-opening the roadway could be another 4-6 hours.

The car frame is wedged between two cliffs & is proving to be very difficult to remove.

We truly appreciate your patience. pic.twitter.com/AcwFZE8PXT
— San Mateo County S.O (@SMCSheriff) April 10, 2019

"We are grateful for everyone’s patience & understanding during these efforts to get this wreck off the shoreline," the sheriff's department later said.

The vehicle had been reported stolen to Hayward police on Jan. 26 before being found on the beach, sheriff's officials said. It was spotted sometime Monday evening.

Additional details related to how the car ended up on the beach were not immediately available.

Coast side road closure 4/9/19 12-6p south of Grey Whale Cove.@Caltrans, @CHP_RedwoodCity & SMCSO will be recovering a stolen car (reported to @HaywardPD 1/26) from the beach. Hwy 1 will be reduced to one lane traffic control. Expect delays & pls use alternate routes if possible pic.twitter.com/bq83aK8Mts
— San Mateo County S.O (@SMCSheriff) April 9, 2019