On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, a car broke down on Interstate 5 in Orange County. It then was rear-ended by a driver who did not have time to avoid hitting it. Police say this tragic Mission Viejo accident took place on I-5 near the Alicia Parkway exit at approximately 9:35 p.m.
Francisco Cinto, the 40-year-old driver from Santa Ana, was heading southbound on I-5 when his Toyota Corolla broke down. Once he realized that his car was disabled, he turned on his hazard lights.
A vehicle that was approaching the broken down Corolla had time to swerve to avoid hitting Cinto, but the Chevrolet Tahoe traveling behind that car did not see the Corolla and plowed into it. The driver of the SUV, a 21-year-old woman, said she did not have time to avoid hitting the Corolla, since the car directly in front of her swerved suddenly. By the time she saw the broken-down Corolla, it was too late. Police indicate that the SUV was traveling around 70 mph.
After the impact, the SUV was sent across all southbound lanes of the freeway, coming to rest after plowing into a concrete wall on the right shoulder. The female driver, who has not been identified, suffered injuries and was transported to Saddleback Memorial Medical Center for care. Her condition is unknown at this time.
Sadly, the driver of the Toyota Corolla was found dead at the scene. Firefighters had to pull him out of the car, and he was identified as Francisco Cinto by coroner officials.
For several hours, all southbound lanes of the 5 freeway were closed for an investigation and cleanup of the crash. CHP (What’s this stand for? Write it out.) is asking for anyone who witnessed this tragic Orange County accident to call 949-487-4000.
We are saddened to hear of this crash, and send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Cinto.
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