UPDATED: Woman Killed in Ortega Highway Big Rig Crash

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA - A crash between a small car and big rig in San Juan Capistrano today left the car driver dead and the truck driver hospitalized, authorities said.

The crash occurred about 2:30 a.m. near Ortega Highway (Route 74) and Shadetree Lane, according to Orange County sheriff's Lt. Gene Inouye and the California Highway Patrol.

The woman driving the car died at the scene, said Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority. Her name was withheld, pending notification of her relatives.

The truck driver, who is in his early 50s, was taken to a hospital for treatment of "moderate" injuries, Concialdi said.

The crash left debris strewn across the lanes of Ortega Highway, which was shut down between Avenida Siega and Antonio Parkway. The closure was continuing late this morning, Concialdi said.

Inouye said the sheriff's major accident team went to the investigate the cause of the crash. Concialdi reminded motorists to be careful and not drink and drive, especially during holiday weekends.

City News Service