Ortega Highway Rollover Prompts Dramatic Rescue of Trapped Driver

San Juan Capistrano, CA A woman was injured in a rollover crash that prompted a dramatic rescue at Ortega Highway Wednesday.

For unknown reasons, her veered off the road and rolled 20 feet down a steep embankment off Ortega Highway, trapping the woman inside. The wreck happened west of the US Forest Service Fire Station at 35505 Ortega Highway.

"She went about 20 feet below the road and sustained shoulder injuries, minor head injuries and abrasions," he said. "Fortunately, she was wearing her seat belt or she would have been more seriously injured."

Firefighters with the Orange County Fire Authority worked for an hour stabilize the car in order to use the jaws of life to pull the woman to safety.

The victim, who is in her mid-30s, was flown by helicopter to Mission Hospital in moderate condition, Concialdi said. Her name was not released.

The 6: 30 a.m. crash closed the highway until nearly 8 a.m. when an eastbound lane reopened.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photos: Orange County Fire Authority