BOLSA CHICA ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE (WIkipedia).

A traffic collision on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach on Wednesday night resulted in the death of a 53-year-old woman.

According to Jessica Cuchilla, public affairs officer, the incident took place on PCH south of Warner Avenue. The crash was reported at around 10:40 p.m. and involved a silver Kia Soul and a white BMW 328i.

Arriving officers found the Kia partially submerged under water in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Police and Huntington Beach Fire Department lifeguards were able to extract the woman – a Long Beach resident – from the Kia.

Paramedics were called to the scene and she was taken to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The driver of the BMW, a 23-year-old Long Beach man, was contacted at the scene and impairment is suspected with him. He was taken into custody at the scene.

A preliminary investigation indicates, say police, that the Kia was traveling northbound on PCH when it was struck by the BMW – also moving northbound – and propelled into the wetlands.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it is asked to call (714) 960-5231.

Note: This post contains some updated information.