Passenger dies after truck goes off SR-78 in Ramona

A passenger in a Ford pickup died Thursday when the vehicle he was riding in veered off a wet Ramona highway, struck a wooden post and overturned, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 3:45 p.m. on eastbound state Route 78, east of Weekend Villa Road, said California Highway Patrol Officer Jasmine Lopez.

The driver, a 43-year-old Lemon Grove resident, lost control of the 2008 Ford Ranger on a curve, Lopez said. After the truck veered off the road, it struck the post and then overturned down a dirt embankment, authorities said.

The driver was trapped and had to be extricated by first responders. He suffered minor injuries.

His passenger, a 44-year-old man, died before he could be taken to a hospital. He was wearing a seat belt and was in the front passenger seat, Lopez said.

The name of the man who died was not immediately released.

The incident is under investigation. Drugs and alcohol were not suspected to be factors in the crash.

“Speeding and unsafe turns continue to be leading causes of crashes on our roadways, especially during inclement weather,” Capt. Michael Monteagudo said in a statement.