A drunk driver was at fault in a fiery accident on Sunday on highway 605 which killed four people and injured two others, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Zachary Salazar, a CHP spokesperson, said consecutive accidents just before 1 hour on Sunday had ended with a vehicle completely engulfed in the flames, fatally trapping his four occupants. Salazar did not identify the victims.
The agents initially responded to an accident involving a Nissan sedan and a CHP vehicle which left the disabled Nissan in one of the tracks south of 605 near Rosecrans avenue. The Nissan was then struck from behind by a Kia, who, according to investigators, was motivated by Iris Salmeron, suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, said Salazar.
Salmeron and a passenger were taken to the injury hospital, but Salazar said they were both in a stable state. No CHP officer was injured.
Salazar earlier told ABC-7 news that officials planned to arrest the driver suspected of Dui causing injuries.
The officer told journalists that the fatal accident could have been prevented from better decision -making.
“It is entirely avoidable due to the fact that one of the drivers led under influence,” said Salazar Ktla. “It could have been prevented. … Our hearts go to families involved.”
All tracks south of the 605 motorway were reopened around noon on Sunday after being closed for hours of Firestona boulevard in Rosecrans avenue in the middle of the investigation, CHP officials said.
