Fiery Crash Kills Girl, 14, and Injures Five People
A 14-year-old girl was killed and five other people were injured early Sunday morning in a fiery, high-speed crash in Riverside that involved a driver from Santa Ana.
Riverside police said Santa Ana resident Jose Vargas, 23, was driving his black 1999 Honda Accord at high speed just after 2 a.m. Sunday.
He lost control, struck the concrete curb and crashed into a light pole and metal street sign, police said. The car was immediately engulfed in flames, but all six occupants were able to get out.
Elizabeth Hinojosa, 14, of Riverside died at the scene, officials said.
Vargas was taken by helicopter to Arrowhead Regional Hospital in San Bernardino to be treated for burns to his face and body.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
