Three people are dead and another is in critical condition after the vehicle they were traveling in crashed into the bank of the Los Angeles River early morning on Friday, May 1, according to police.
Shortly after 4am that day, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officers responded to the area of the eastbound Anaheim Street at the Los Angeles River regarding an injury traffic collision. Upon arrival, they discovered that a 1998 Jaguar XJ was overturned on the west bank of the river below the Anaheim Street bridge. Responding officers began rescue efforts, including digging away dirt from around a victim’s face to provide a clear airway, until Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) personnel arrived, according to police.
The investigation revealed that the driver and three passengers were driving eastbound on Anaheim Street west of the L.A. River at a high rate of speed. The driver veered off of the roadway and traveled down a dirt embankment before striking a concrete bridge support on the west side of the river. The vehicle went airborne and came to rest on its roof on the west bank of the river.
All of the vehicle’s occupants suffered traumatic injuries. The driver and two of the passengers, described as two males and one female, died as a result of the injuries sustained in the collision, at the scene. LBFD personnel transported the third male passenger to a local hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
Identification of all parties involved is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the collision is encouraged to contact Detectives David Lauro or David Whelan of the Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail at (562) 570-7355. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus their tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .
Source: LBPD
