Vehicle plunges down 50-foot embankment in Fallbrook, killing passenger

FALLBROOK (CNS) – A 93-year-old man was killed Monday when a compact
pickup truck crashed off a rural North County road near the eastern reaches of
Camp Pendleton.

The woman driving the 2000 Chevrolet S-10 lost control of the truck for
unknown reasons while heading west on De Luz Road in Fallbrook shortly before
noon, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The vehicle veered off the roadway near Harris Trail and went down a 50-foot embankment, CHP public-affairs Officer Jim Bettencourt said.

The unrestrained passenger was partially ejected from the truck and died
at the scene. His name was withheld pending family notification.

The driver, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered moderately serious
injuries, Bettencourt said. Medics took her to Palomar Medical Center in
Escondido.