Aptos woman dies after crashing into tree on Highway 17

An Aptos woman died in a two car crash on Highway 17 Thursday afternoon.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a 64-year-old woman was driving northbound in a 1998 Honda when she and a BMW collided. The Honda ran off the shoulder of Highway 17, hit a fence before crossing El Rancho Road where it struck a tree.

The accident occurred around 3:50 p.m.

The driver of the BMW, a 46-year-old Union City man, pulled to the shoulder and waited for CHP to arrive.

“The BMW sustained moderate right side damage and the Honda sustained major front end damage as a result of this collision,” said CHP.

The driver of the BMW was released at the scene. The woman was transported to Dominican Hospital where she died from her injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. CHP said it has not been determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.