SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : Motorist, Pedestrian Die in Accidents

Two San Fernando Valley residents were killed in two separate traffic accidents Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The first fatal accident occurred at 6:55 a.m. at Lassen Street and Reseda Boulevard in Northridge, Officer Carl Helm said. Witnesses told police that a car driven by Bayron De La Cruz, 25, of Van Nuys, was weaving in and out of traffic as he drove west on Lassen at speeds up to 70 m.p.h., Helm said.

Witnesses said De La Cruz made a quick lane change before running a red light at Reseda Boulevard, where his car collided with another car making a left turn, Helm said. De La Cruz lost control of his car, which ripped through 90 feet of fence and hit a traffic light post, killing him instantly, Helm said.

The driver of the other car sustained minor injuries. The accident caused a three-hour traffic jam.

Another fatal accident took place at 11:10 a.m. at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Lederer Avenue in Woodland Hills, Helm said. Karina Gordon, 26, of Woodland Hills was observing the speed limit as she drove east on Victory Boulevard where her auto struck Charles Henry Prem, 80 of Woodland Hills, who was crossing north on Lederer Avenue, he said.

Prem was taken to Humana Hospital-West Hills, where he died of massive injuries, Helm said.

Gordon was not cited.