Woman Killed In Ortega Highway Crash

A female passenger in a pickup truck was killed today and the male driver hospitalized when their vehicle crashed into a tree on Ortega Highway, near , authorities said.

The Ford F150 pickup truck was bent into a semi U-shape, the driver's side twisted toward the passenger side, after it hit the tree. A gaping hole about the size of a basketball was torn into the tree.

Authorities have yet to release the ages of the victim and the driver. The driver  was taken to Mission Hospital.

The accident was first reported to the California Highway Patrol shortly after 6:45 a.m. Friday near mile marker 6. Officials say the driver was westbound on Ortega Highway when he drifted into the right lane and off the road, into the tree.

Officials said it was fortunate that no one else was hurt in the accident.

"Usually at that time of morning there are commuters," said CHP spokesman Chris Goodwin. "It is fortunate no other vehicles where involved."

The CHP was allowing traffic through the area on an alternating basis, Officer Gabe Montoya said. Traffic in the area was delayed at least 20 minutes.

The circumstances of the crash are under investigation.