Fatal car crash on SR-46 leaves one dead

An unidentified female, 23, was left dead after her 2002 Honda collided with a 2009 Freightliner on SR-46 east of Kecks Road at 6 a.m. Thursday.

The female, identification pending notification of next of kin, was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed, and, according to motorists, moved into the eastbound lane to pass several slower westbound vehicles.

As the 2009 Freightliner approached in an eastbound direction, the driver of the Honda swerved back into the westbound lane, but then over-corrected to avoid running off the roadway and lost control.

The vehicle spun counter-clockwise back into the eastbound lane and collided with the Freightliner which proceeded to slide to a stop, blocking both traffic lanes. The initial impact caused the victim, who was not wearing a seat belt, to be ejected through the rear window of her vehicle and immediately sustain fatal injuries.

As vehicle passengers Julie Rutan, 48, and Robert Rutan, 52, both of Eden, NC, exited the Freightliner, it caught fire. Robert Rutan received treatment for a minor cut on his foot.

Debris from the collision struck an approaching 2011 Volkswagon and entered through the vehicle’s open sunroof. The Volkswagon contained Raul Gonzales, 26, Gricell Rodriguez, 15, and Hazel Gonzales, 4.
Driver Raul Gonzales and passenger Rodriguez are from Phoenix, AZ.

Passenger Hazel Gonzales of Watsonville, who was sitting in the middle rear seat, received a minor scratch from the debris and received treatment on scene.

SR-46 closed for about 8.5 hours while the roadway was cleaned.

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