Investigators believe that excessive speed combined with driver inattention contributed to a horrific wreck that crushed two vehicles and killed two people.
The incident occurred on October 9, 2024. Authorities say a gray BMW traveling northbound on Tampa Avenue hit a white Toyota making a left turn onto Atlanta Avenue just south of Chatsworth Street in Los Angeles. Neighbors heard the impact and rushed to help the victims, only to find two people trapped inside the Toyota.
Emergency crews used the jaws of life to extract the unidentified men, both in their 50s, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the BMW, described as a 20-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. The incident occurred in an area known for violent crashes, often involving street racing or speeding, but officials believe Tuesday’s crash was likely caused by a misjudgment.
“There are no stop signs. There are no lights. There’s nothing right here,” Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Jodie Lee said. “So, when someone makes a left hand turn they’re thinking it’s going to be safe. They misjudge it and unfortunately this is what happens.”
Tampa Avenue was closed in the area during the investigation but reopened by 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
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