MALIBU, Calif. — A single-vehicle crash along a winding stretch of Malibu Canyon Road claimed the life of a juvenile driver early Wednesday, prompting renewed concerns about safety on one of the region’s most treacherous corridors.
The crash was reported around 7:40 a.m. near Potter Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Authorities said a northbound 2018 Tesla Model S suddenly made a sharp turn, left the roadway just north of Potter Drive, went airborne, and struck a dirt ravine along the mountainside east of Malibu Canyon Road. Fire personnel pronounced the driver dead at the scene roughly 10 minutes later.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), which is leading the investigation through its West Valley Area office, confirmed the victim was a juvenile. The individual’s identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Video from KTLA showed first responders clustered around a red vehicle with extensive exterior damage, underscoring the severity of the impact. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
What remains unclear is what caused the vehicle to veer off the road. CHP said the Tesla was traveling at an “unknown” speed, and investigators have not yet determined whether weather conditions, mechanical issues, driver error, or other factors played a role. Authorities have also not confirmed whether any other vehicles were involved or if there were additional passengers.
Malibu Canyon Road is known locally for its sharp curves and elevation changes, a route that connects the Pacific Coast Highway to inland communities and sees frequent commuter traffic. “This stretch demands full attention, especially during morning hours,” a CHP spokesperson said, noting that investigations often take time to reconstruct events accurately.
Following the crash, the City of Malibu’s Office of Public Safety warned drivers that the road was reduced to one lane near Potter Drive, with alternating traffic and urged motorists to seek alternate routes.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials say additional details will be released as they become available.
