3 Killed and 4-Year-Old Critically Hurt in Crash

Three women were killed and a 4-year-old girl was critically injured Sunday when their sport utility vehicle got a flat tire on the Pomona Freeway in Monterey Park and crashed into a signpost in the center divider, authorities said.

All five people in the Toyota 4-Runner were thrown from the car. They apparently were not wearing seat belts, said California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Joy. The accident occurred about 5:50 p.m. on the westbound freeway at Atlantic Boulevard. The freeway was closed for about three hours.

The women died at the scene, Joy said. Their names were not immediately available, but Joy said they were between the ages of 18 and 25. The 4-year-old was undergoing surgery Sunday night, Joy said, and was in critical condition. A fifth passenger was injured, but was able to walk away from the scene, Joy said.