Lake Balboa crash leaves man and woman dead, passenger injured
A speeding Corvette reportedly ran a red light and crashed into a Honda Accord in Lake Balboa early Wednesday morning, killing the Honda driver, according to firefighters.
The Corvette driver later died in the hospital and a passenger was severely injured.
Two vehicles collided at 6400 N. Balboa Blvd. at Victory Blvd. at about 3:46 a.m., according to the L.A. Fire Dept.
A Chevrolet Corvette was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Balboa when it collided with the Honda Accord traveling eastbound on Victory, according to LAPD Lt. Matthew Bielski. The Corvette drove through a red light, police believe.
The female Honda driver, its sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a woman in her mid-20s, according to the LAPD.
The male Corvette driver and a male passenger were trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. They were both hospitalized in critical condition. The driver later died at the hospital. The male passenger sustained severe injuries, including broken ankles.
Police estimated the Corvette was traveling 90-100 mph at the time of the crash.
The collision pushed the two vehicles toward the northeast corner of the intersection. A strip-mall sign on the corner and nearby businesses were damaged by debris and appeared to have been struck by the Corvette.
Family members told KCAL News one of the victims is Kathy Chavez, a mother of four. She was reportedly on her way to work at the Post Office. A vigil was held Wednesday night.
"I just wanted to come and do something to just let her know we love her," said Kayla Bestedo, the victim's friend, who laid flowers at the vigil.
The cause of the crash was under investigation and the intersection was closed for hours.
