A woman was fatally struck by multiple vehicles as she tried to cross the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Laguna Beach on Feb. 5.
“We are deeply saddened by yet another pedestrian fatality on Coast Highway and we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen said in a statement.
Laguna Beach police and fire personnel arrived 6 p.m. Sunday near the 30600 block on PCH, close to Ruby’s Diner, where the injured woman was reportedly hit while crossing the street, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.
The woman was not in a crosswalk, according to police. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she later died, police said.
She was in the southbound lanes when hit by multiple vehicles, police said. The drivers involved remained at the scene and cooperated with the police.
All southbound lanes on the PCH from Nyes Place to Laguna Terrace were closed until 11 p.m.
The woman’s identity was not immediately released. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been involved in the incident, authorities said.
Last week, a Laguna Beach doctor riding his bicycle on PCH in the neighboring city of Dana Point was killed after a driver allegedly plowed into him, then got out of his car and stabbed him multiple times on Feb. 1, authorities said. The suspect was restrained by onsite bystanders until police arrived and arrested him. He was charged with murder on Feb 3.
On Jan. 28, a 39-year-old man was fatally struck near the 700 block of PCH near St. Ann’s Drive. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with local authorities, authorities said.
The mayor said Sunday that PCH is owned and operated by Caltrans and his office will reach out to them asking for additional safety improvements.
“We need to hold Caltrans accountable to find safety solutions to avoid more tragic accidents in our City,” Whalen said.
Anyone with information regarding the collision is urged to contact the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0701.
