Two men tragically died Sunday evening in a fiery crash in Long Beach after their SUV slammed into a bridge support and plunged into the Los Cerritos Channel. Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and other emergency units responded to the distressing incident around 6:22 p.m., officials said.
The preliminary investigation suggests the driver of a 2004 GMC Yukon was weaving dangerously through traffic on Studebaker Road before losing control. The vehicle then quickly hit the bridge, caught fire, and became submerged in the channel, according to a press release from the LBPD. Divers from the Long Beach Fire Department rescued the driver, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital, while the passenger was determined deceased at the scene.
The names of the deceased are currently withheld, pending the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's notification to their families. Authorities are looking into speed, reckless driving, and possibly impaired driving as factors contributing to the accident.
LBPD is now urging witnesses to come forward to aid in the investigation. Detective Joseph Johnson of the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail has asked anyone with information "to contact" him at (562) 570-7355. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can also submit information through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), the "P3 TIPS" app, or by visiting their website.
