A deadly collision has left two dead and one injured along Highway 49 in El Dorado County. The incident, which occurred last night, involved a single vehicle that veered off the road, according to the California Highway Patrol. ABC10 reports the car struck a rock and dirt embankment before it overturned near Shingle Springs, around 7:15 p.m.
While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, two individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene and another was taken to the hospital with injuries whose severity has not been disclosed. KCRA mentions, initial reports suggested pedestrians were struck, but it was later determined that the victims were ejected from the vehicle.
In a startling revelation, officials suspect that seatbelts were likely not in use by any of the vehicle's occupants, a grim reminder of the potential consequences of forgoing basic safety measures. While both sources remain silent on whether drugs or alcohol played a part in the tragedy, this detail forms part of the ongoing investigation that police hope will bring clarity to the circumstances leading up to the crash. The identities of the deceased and the injured party have not been unveiled pending notification of next of kin.
