Teen passenger seriously injured after vehicle hits tree, fire hydrant

Police car with blue lights.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 16-year-old passenger was seriously injured in a car crash Wednesday in the Chula Vista area, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Hunte Parkway and Exploration Falls Drive, Sgt. Anthony Molina of the Chula Vista Police Department said in a news release.

A young driver and a 16-year-old boy were in a Ford pickup truck traveling westbound in the 1800 block of Hunte Parkway when the vehicle left the roadway, collided with a tree and struck a road hydrant. fire, according to authorities.

When first responders arrived, the driver had already removed the injured passenger from the van, police said. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities do not believe driving under the influence was a factor in the crash. The driver cooperated with the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is asked to contact the Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Bureau at 619-385-6652. Witnesses can also contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or submit a tip through P3tips (online or mobile app) if they wish to remain anonymous.