High-Speed Collision Kills 5 on Desert Road

A high-speed crash killed five people on a remote desert road in Palmdale on Monday night, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The two cars collided at 6:20 p.m. near Avenue O and 117th Street East, killing all the occupants of both vehicles.

Interviews with a witness suggest that the accident occurred when a car attempted to pass a black Nissan headed west.

“We think they were trying to pass, but it’s still unclear whether they were racing or playing around,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Don Ford.

A white Nissan in the eastbound lane apparently tried to swerve out of the path of the oncoming car and skidded out control.

“The white Nissan left the road, lost control and came back on the road ... and collided with a black Nissan,” Ford said.

Authorities said one of the vehicles caught fire, and two people were ejected on impact.

“All the victims were adults,” Ford said.

Investigators had not immediately determined the identities of the victims. It was not clear whether the third car stopped.