Feb. 9, 2016 Tustin, CA - A woman was killed when the car she was a passenger in rear-ended an 18-wheeler. Around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night, a 20
Feb. 9, 2016
Tustin, CA – A woman was killed when the car she was a passenger in rear-ended an 18-wheeler.
Around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night, a 2014 Honda Accord was traveling on Interstate 5. The vehicle, driven by Stephen Heemstra, slammed into the back of the 18-wheeler, which was traveling in front of him.
Officers from the California Highway Patrol were immediately dispatched to the scene. The driver was found inside the vehicle and the passenger was laying on the street.
The passenger, identified as Beatriz Hernandez, 21, was ejected from the vehicle. It is unclear whether or not she was wearing a seatbelt. Despite EMT best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Tustin Police Department spokesperson.
Heemstra was airlifted to the Orange County Global Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured.
It is unclear why Heemstra hit the back of the truck, and the accident is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tustin Police Department. All information will remain confidential.