A 15-year-old boy, alleged to have been driving a stolen vehicle, has died following a fiery collision on a Long Beach freeway Monday night, according to the California Highway Patrol. The teenager was driving a 2020 Kia north on the 710 Freeway near Anaheim Street when he attempted to overtake a Freightliner semi-truck roughly around 10:30 p.m. It is believed by investigators that the teen was attempting to exit the freeway. Instead, the Kia ended up directly in front of the Freightliner, which subsequently crashed into the vehicle’s right-hand side. The collision resulted in the Kia bursting into flames. First responders managed to retrieve the passengers from the burning vehicle. The teenage driver sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. Three other passengers, consisting of a 14-year-old boy and two girls aged 13 and 15, also suffered moderate injuries. They were taken to local trauma centers for treatment. Responding to the accident, the Long Beach Police Department stated that they were not engaging in pursuit of the vehicle at the time of the accident, but were merely tracking it via helicopter. Impacts of Monday night’s crash added to an observed nationwide trend of minors involved in vehicle thefts and reckless driving. The authorities have yet to confirm whether alcohol or drugs played a role in this tragic accident. The condition of the Freightliner’s driver, a 22-year-old male, has not been disclosed. The accident necessitated a partial closure of the 710 Freeway for several hours. Authorities are requesting anyone with information related to this incident to get in touch.
Experiencing the aftermath of a car accident, particularly dealing with the loss of a loved one or injuries sustained, is an incredibly challenging journey. At Nazari Law, our commitment is to provide dedicated support to surviving family members and injured individuals pursuing a wrongful death or personal injury claim. We strive to ensure rightful compensation and fight for justice on your behalf. Take the time you need to mourn or heal as we work diligently to navigate the legal process. For a free consultation, please contact us at (818) 380-3015. If you require a copy of the police report, our team is ready to assist you.