Motorist Critical After Car Crashes into Bridge

A 59-year-old Santa Paula man who was weaving across California 126 at speeds of up to 90 mph was critically injured when his car hit a concrete bridge crossing Sespe Creek on Sunday morning, authorities said.

Passersby pulled Frederick George Schnepf Jr. from his burning vehicle. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center with severe head injuries.

Witnesses told authorities that Schnepf was speeding and driving erratically before the accident, which occurred shortly after 11 a.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Fred Baskin said.

Just before reaching Fillmore, Schnepf’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE crossed the roadway and slammed into the wall of the bridge, Baskin said. Schnepf was not wearing a seat belt.