SANTA CRUZ — A man died early Saturday in a brutal fiery crash after his car slammed into the center divide on Highway 1 in the northbound lanes.
California Highway Patrol officer Liz Addy said the man, who has not been identified, was driving a 2007 Toyota RAV4 around 3:30 a.m. For unknown reasons, his SUV smashed into the center divide, then careened back across both lanes just north of 41st Avenue. The RAV4 tore through a guardrail and burst into flames, torching some trees and brush on fire.
Firefighters and police eventually arrived and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
Addy said both northbound lanes were closed off for more than four hours to allow investigators to pour through evidence.
“This is an ongoing investigation so no names have been released,” Addy said.
As of Monday, investigators still have not confirmed the age of the victim or what city he is from.
