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California driver survives after crashing through guardrail, over cliff and into Pacific Ocean

CARLSBAD, Calif. — A California driver survived after crashing his car through a guardrail, off a cliff and into the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, first responders said.

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“Especially after going into the water, the fact that the patient is alive is probably a testament to the engineering of the car,” Carlsbad Fire Department battalion chief Kevin Lynds told KSWB.

The driver, who has not been identified, was in a Subaru Forester when he careened off Palomar Airport Road around 5:15 p.m., landed on the beach dozens of feet below and eventually in the water, KNSD reported. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. Although his condition is unclear, he possibly injured his legs, pelvis and chest.

The SUV was heavily damaged. Water crashed around it as it rested on the driver-side door on the beach. The car was pulled from the sand by crane and towed away around 7:45 p.m.

A retired Navy veteran helped pull the driver from the wreckage before first responders arrived.

“I wish he had hung out because he deserves a lot of kudos,” Lynds said.