Couple Plunges 130-Feet Off Ortega Highway

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA - A couple were hurt early today when their Audi went off a 130-foot drop from Ortega Highway (74) outside San Juan Capistrano near Casper's Wilderness Park, authorities said.

It happened about 1:45 a.m., Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority said.

The man and woman, both in their early 20s, took an hour to climb back up the hill to Ortega Highway to use their cellphone, Concialdi said.

The man almost severed his tongue and the woman had fall-related injuries, although seat belts and airbags saved them from more serious injuries, he said.

The crash victims were taken to Mission Hospital for treatment, Concialdi said.

City News Service