February 27, 2016
Three people died and 4 people were injured after chain-reaction fiery collision involving an 18-wheeler and drag racers on Sunday in downtown Los Angeles.
The tragic accident involved eight vehicles. It occurred on Interstate-5 around midnight in Commerce east of Washington Boulevard, stated the California Highway Patrol official. Authorities have closed this stretch of the freeway
Witnessed saw a Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger speeding south about 12:01 a.m., stated California Highway Patrol Office Doris Peniche.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger saw a slow moving vehicle in front of him. He tried to avoid hitting the slower car by changing lanes. However, the slow moving vehicle changed lanes at the same time, Officer Peniche mentioned in an interview with a television station.
The suspected street racer lost control of the car and slammed into the UPS big rig, making the
18-wheeler collide into the center median stated Peniche. The tragic accident killed the UPS driver, and two people in the Nissan Sentra, reported Officer Peniche.
Paramedics rushed two other seriously injured victims in the Nissan to the nearest hospital. The victims are listed in critical condition. Also, two other victims in a different vehicle sustained minor injuries.
The victims of the crash haves not been identified.
Police have arrested, a 35-year old male Whittier resident, Dealio Lockhart of suspicion of street racing, reported the California Highway Patrol. Authorities may charge Lockhart with felony vehicular manslaughter.
Authorities have ruled drugs and alcohol as contributing factors in the deadly collision.
However, authorities are looking of a suspect who was driving a dark Dodge Charger. A description of the second driver has not been released.
