Harrowing rescue after woman’s car plunges 150 Feet off Mulholland Drive’s infamous ‘Dead Man’s Curve’

There’s an infamous “Dead Man’s Curve” along Mulholland Drive called the Mulholland Scenic Overlook — known for being a black spot for accidents in the area. A 30-year-old woman was almost the road’s latest fatality when her car drove off the road and fell down a 150-ft cliff, but thanks to a quick response from the Los Angeles Fire Department captured on YouTube, she was saved from the crash.

The dramatic accident happened at around 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. There is still little other information to go off, and no confirmation on whether speeding or driver negligence caused the crash. CBS was able to capture LAFD on video as they approached the woman and carefully ensured she was stabilized before airlifting her from the crash site.

There hasn’t been much of an update on her health condition released to the public either. But when she arrived at the hospital, her situation was termed “serious” — though doctors assured that she was stable and would be observed for a couple of days.

According to reports, the woman called 911 herself after she drove off the road. Authorities believe she was lucky, specifically because of where the car ended up landing, describing it as a “soft landing spot.” It also helped that she was able to get the attention of authorities, as past situations have shown how crucial it is to alert first responders quickly and provide an accurate location.

The aerial video captures the woman, covered with a red blanket, being loaded into a helicopter overhead as no fewer than ten first responders stand next to her completely wrecked car. LAFD Captain Adam Van Gerpen explained their process, saying, “Once the vehicle was stabilized, we cut the roof and were able to peel it back. When the vehicle stopped, it rested on top of two power poles, and that created a void space that protected her head.”

This is not the first time someone has survived an unthinkable accident. A man in Washington recently drove off a road in a similar way. First responders ended up taking five days before they finally found him — and miraculously discovered he was still alive. He, too, found himself in a situation where he fortunately came to rest in a relatively “safe” manner, after the car he was driving was found at the bottom of a ravine, having crashed into a tree.

That “Dead Man’s Curve” moniker isn’t coincidental. A particular stretch of Mulholland Drive is reportedly so well known for accidents that residents of the area almost expect crashes there at this point. Another part of the scenic route, nicknamed “The Snake,” bore the same reputation before it was closed for about seven years — only officially reopening last month on Dec. 7.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman is expected to make a formal statement to residents of the area responding to their concerns about the viability of these roads. But in the meantime — make sure you wear seat belts. The LAFD captain might not have mentioned their role in saving the woman’s life, but without one, this story would have been tragic regardless of where the car ended up.