An 18-year-old El Cajon man died early Wednesday after a single-vehicle crash on La Cresta Road in unincorporated El Cajon, according to East County Magazine and the California Highway Patrol.

The crash happened shortly after 12:20 a.m. east of Ranch Gate Road. CHP said the teen was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer when it veered off the roadway, overturned, rolled down an embankment and caught fire.

The driver was extricated from the vehicle but died from his injuries at the scene, according to the report. CHP said the investigation is ongoing and that it is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were factors.

For Santee and East County drivers, the crash is a reminder of how quickly rural and semi-rural roads can become dangerous, especially at night. CHP Capt. Monteagudo urged drivers to reduce speed on curves and turns, stay focused and drive according to roadway and traffic conditions.

Source: East County Magazine — https://eastcountymagazine.org/teen-dies-in-fiery-el-cajon-crash/