Driver injured in crash leaving car wash

A Jeep rolling through a covered car wash in Costa Mesa slammed into a wall as it exited the cleaning area Friday afternoon, leaving the driver hospitalized, authorities said.

The vehicle was coming off the wash rack at Hand Car Wash in the 2000 block of Harbor Boulevard when the driver lost control, according to Costa Mesa fire Capt. Nick Cerciello.

Instead of turning right to leave the car wash tunnel, the Jeep drove straight into the wall, shattering glass and punching a hole in stucco.

Fire officials did not immediately know the extent of the driver’s injuries or whether he is the Jeep’s owner.

Nobody else was hurt in the crash.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck