Long Beach, California – A tragic accident on the 710 Freeway in Long Beach has claimed the life of a 15-year-old driver and left four others injured, marking another harrowing incident on Southern California’s roads.

Stolen Vehicle Leads to Tragedy

The incident began when Long Beach Police Department received a report of a stolen Kia SUV. A concerned individual reported the theft and later spotted the vehicle with four occupants. Despite law enforcement intervention, the SUV managed to evade capture, prompting a pursuit.

Tragic Collision Unfolds

As authorities tracked the stolen vehicle from the air, tragedy struck on the 710 Freeway near the Anaheim Street exit. The stolen Kia collided with a semi-truck, resulting in a fiery crash. Disturbing footage from the scene captured the vehicle engulfed in flames as emergency responders worked to rescue the victims trapped inside.

Victims and Injuries

The driver of the stolen Kia, a 15-year-old boy, succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed at this stage of the investigation. Among the injured were two girls from Long Beach, aged 13 and 15, and a 14-year-old boy from Los Angeles. The driver of the semi-truck, identified as 22-year-old Alvaro Patino of Paramount, sustained minor injuries.

Investigation and Closure

The crash led to a complete closure of the northbound lanes of the 710 Freeway, causing significant disruption to traffic flow. While the California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigates the cause of the collision, the Long Beach PD is conducting a parallel criminal investigation. Authorities have emphasized that no officers were involved in the crash, dispelling earlier misconceptions about a pursuit.

Call for Information

As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information or witnesses to come forward. Those with relevant details can contact CHP Officer Gonzales at the South Los Angeles Area office or the CHP Los Angeles Communications Center.

The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety measures.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story erroneously stated this was a pursuit crash, which was later clarified by the Long Beach Police Department.

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