One teenager dead, five others injured after truck slams into tree in Dana Point

One teenager was killed and five others injured when a truck slammed into a tree near Baby Beach in Dana Point on Tuesday afternoon.

The crash happened at around 11:45 a.m. near Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. They believe the vehicle crashed into a tree in the center divider. 

All of the victims involved in the crash were juveniles, deputies said. Dana Hills High School Principal Brittany Casey said all six teens involved in the collision were Dana Hills High School students. 

The female driver was declared dead at the scene and five passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Three of the victims were in critical condition but expected to survive, authorities said. 

Investigators are unsure if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. 

Video from the scene showed the severely mangled truck on the road. The roof appeared to have partially collapsed in the collision, while the front end had extreme damage. Parts of the vehicle and glass were scattered across the roadway. 

"We are aware this tragedy will affect our entire school family and have multiple counseling agencies and therapy dogs on-campus providing support for any student or staff member in need," Casey wrote in a statement to the school community.   

"Dana Hills High School is a strong community who will come together for each other and the affected Dolphin families. We thank you all for your support and compassion during this very difficult time."  

The 16-year-old driver has since been identified as Rebecca Cespedes.