A puzzling rescue operation is actively underway in Ventura County following a car accident that remained unreported for two days. According to KTLA, an SUV careened 1,000 feet down a cliff off Deer Creek Road, north of Pacific Coast Highway, late Saturday evening. Reports indicate that one of the passengers sustained serious injuries but managed to self-extricate and find his way back to the road, before being taken to a hospital by his brother.
#CreekIncident - Update 1 - One of the missing passengers has been located at home. Crews are continuing to search for the third passenger.
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) December 3, 2024
The incident came to light on Monday when the injured passenger reported to authorities that two others were involved in the crash, as per ABC7. This triggered a broad search operation, involving the California Highway Patrol and various Ventura County emergency services. Teams deployed helicopters, drones, K-9 units, and search-and-rescue personnel in an effort to thoroughly search the area.
"Deputies were able to track down one of the passengers, reporting that they were at home. But so far they have not found the third person," as stated by NBC Los Angeles. The reason for the delayed report of the crash remains unclear, as well as whether it is the driver or another passenger who is still missing.
No additional details have been provided, KTLA noted.
