Two people died including a Whittier man and two more were rescued by deputies that rushed to the scene of a fiery three-car collision after becoming trapped in the blazing car.
A deputy from the traffic services unit of the Sheriff's Department was nearby when the accident occurred at about 5:36 p.m. at Imperial Highway and 1st Avenue. The special unit had been conducting a special enforcement mission promoting motorcycle safety in the city.
The motorcycle deputy radioed for emergency help to aid in the emergency rescue effort that was unsuccessful at rescuing two of the four in the burning wreckage. the condition of the two that were pulled from the burning wreckage it's unknown at this time.
It is believed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the victims has been identified as Philip Davis, 64 of Whittier. The identity of the second victim is being withheld pending notification of relatives according to the county coroner's office.
Video as the tragedy unfolded can be viewed at the following link. Some of the images are disturbing please use caution.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation however a City News Service report states that the deputy that was first in the scene reportedly saw one of the involved vehicles speeding.
All eastbound lanes of Imperial Highway were closed to traffic for nearly 8 hours as deputies conducted an investigation into the cause of the wreck. Traffic heading west into La Mirada was also impacted with an extended closure.
oh man, rest in peace and hopefully the speeding guy got collared
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