Crash Leaves 1 Dead & 2 injured in Japatul Valley

The fatal crash of the driver of an off road vehicle occurred Tuesday evening, July 27th. According to Thomas Shoots, a Cal Fire spokesman, the crash was reported at about 11:30 p.m. on West Boundary Truck Trail. This is just south of Alpine in East County.

Two others were injured in an attempt to reach the victim. They were also driving an off road vehicle when it tipped over for reasons unknown. 

A sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter witnessed the second crash; however, they were unsure if it tipped over or was a full rollover. 

The second crash involved a firefighter and civilian who suffered mild to moderate injuries. As a result of their injuries they were airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital by a San Diego city helicopter. 

The fatality crash victim was 53 years of age however he has not yet been identified. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Statistics show that about one in three people injured in an off roading vehicle accident suffer a head or neck injury. The average fatality rate for an off roading vehicle accident is 622 fatalities per year. One in four people of those deaths are also under the age of 16. 

Drive responsibly.