Costa Mesa man dies in broadside collision

A broadside collision at Victoria Street and Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa claimed the life of one driver after both vehicles were sent spinning through an intersection from the force of impact of the crash, police said.

About 2:15 a.m. one of the vehicles, a black 1991 Honda Accord, driven by Faustino Perez-Cortez, 40, of Costa Mesa, was heading north on Placentia toward Victoria, police said. When Perez-Cortez entered the intersection his car was struck broadside by a blue 2000 Acura, driven by a 17-year-old, Costa Mesa resident, Sgt. Zach Hoferitza said.

Costa Mesa Fire Department emergencies crews arrived soon after and found Perez-Cortez dead at the scene, Hoferitza said.

The driver of the other car was taken to the hospital and treated for minor head contusions, police said.

Police ask anyone with information to call Sgt. Rob Sharpnack at (714) 754-5122.

— Kelly Strodl