2 dead after car veers off bridge into channel in Long Beach

Two people are dead after their car veered off a bridge in Long Beach on Sunday, ending up in the Los Cerritos Channel below. 

The crash was reported at around 6:20 p.m. on the portion of Studebaker Road between Second Street and Loynes Drive, according to Long Beach Fire Department. 

Crews arrived to find that the car had driven off northbound lanes of the road after colliding with a bridge support. The collision caused the car to catch fire and veer off the bridge and end up in a channel below, according to Long Beach Police Department Public Information Officer Jake Heflin. 

They found the car submerged 10 feet in water. 

"Long Beach Fire Department divers located the vehicle submerged in water," police said in a statement. "Fire Department divers were able to rescue the driver from the submerged vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later determined deceased. Divers also located a passenger who was determined deceased at the scene."

One of the victims, since identified as 30-year-old Christopher Castellanos, was pronounced dead at the scene after rescuers found him trapped inside of the vehicle. The other, a man in his 30s, was rushed to a nearby hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that driving impaired and speeding may have been factors in the crash. 

"The preliminary investigation revealed a 2004 GMC Yukon was traveling northbound on Studebaker Road at a high rate of speed," police said. "The vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic and it appeared the driver lost control. ... At this time, speed, reckless driving, and impaired driving are being investigated as possible factors in the collision."

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact investigators at (562) 570-7355.