Long Beach, CA (May 14, 2024)- In a tragic incident that unfolded on the northbound Long Beach (710) Freeway, a stolen Kia Optima driven by a 15-year-old boy collided with a big rig, resulting in a fiery crash that claimed the teen’s life and left three others injured.
The harrowing event occurred around 10:25 p.m. Monday near Anaheim Street, marking a somber turn of events for the community.
According to reports from the Long Beach Police Department, the incident was initiated by a report of a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of Jaymills Avenue, prompting officers to respond promptly.
The stolen Kia, with four occupants inside, including the underage driver, was spotted by police helicopters, but no pursuit ensued. Tragically, just minutes later, the stolen vehicle crashed into a semi-truck on the 710 Freeway.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted the chaos as the stolen Kia burst into flames upon impact with the big rig.
Quick-thinking officers swiftly intervened, pulling the occupants from the burning vehicle and providing immediate medical assistance until the arrival of emergency responders. Despite their efforts, the 15-year-old driver succumbed to his injuries, marking a devastating loss of life.
The passengers in the stolen Kia, including two girls aged 13 and 15 from Long Beach and a 14-year-old boy from Los Angeles, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the driver of the big rig, identified as 22-year-old Alvaro Patino of Paramount, escaped unharmed.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has taken over the investigation into the crash, with authorities exploring potential criminal charges related to the incident.
Initial findings suggest that the stolen Kia attempted to exit the freeway onto the Anaheim Street off-ramp, leading to a collision with the Freightliner tractor. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, authorities have not ruled out the involvement of alcohol or drugs.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of such tragic events, it’s imperative for those affected to seek legal guidance and support.
Our attorneys at Crockett Law Group specialize in assisting victims of car accidents and wrongful death, offering compassionate representation and unwavering support to navigate through the legal complexities.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a similar incident, our team is here to provide a free and confidential consultation to discuss your options for seeking compensation and justice.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim, and we remain committed to advocating for the rights of those affected by this senseless tragedy.
Our law firm extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victim who are mourning the loss of their loved one.
It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 1-888-965-3827 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by phone, text, and online chat.
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Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
