Truck Hits Pole In Santa Ana, Killing Female Passenger

SANTA ANA, CA — A woman suffered fatal injuries when the truck she was traveling in crashed into a pole in Santa Ana Sunday, and the driver was later arrested for alleged DUI.

The accident occurred around 2 a.m. in the area of 800 S. Main St., according to the Santa Ana Police Department.

Police and Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded to the scene, and firefighters extricated the male driver and front female passenger from the truck. They were rushed to a hospital, along with a rear male passenger.

Police said the two males were in stable condition, but the female passenger died at the hospital.

"Based on the preliminary investigation, it is believed the truck was traveling southbound on Main St. when it lost control, striking a palm tree and coming to a stop against a pole," police said. "Traffic detectives determined the driver, who had prior DUI arrests, was under the influence of alcohol and possibly drugs."

The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing death and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

The department's Collision Investigations Unit is investigating the death. Anyone with information about the accident was asked to contact Detective Corporal D. Carrillo at 714-245-8208, or the department's Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.

— City News Service