2 Dead after Car Collided with Building at West El Segundo Blvd Intersection
GARDENA, CA (April 4, 2018) – On Wednesday night, a tragic collision near the Gardena-Hawthorne border ended in flames and took the life of two men. The victims were later identified as 20-year-old Jose Padilla, a Hawthorne resident, and Alvaro Martinez.
According to the authorities, the accident occurred around 8:15 PM at the Crenshaw Boulevard and West El Segundo Boulevard intersection. A 2006 Chevrolet Corvette jumped over a curb, struck a power pole, and crashed into a commercial building. The impact broke the vehicle’s gas tank, resulting in flames.
Padilla was the driver of the Corvette with Martinez as his passenger. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Cesar Hernandez, a witness of the collision, rushed to the disabled car as soon as he saw the flames. However, people who wanted to help could not get any closer as the flames grew bigger.
The Gardena Police considers speeding as a major factor in the fatal incident. Most witnesses stated that the vehicle was visibly traveling over the speed limit. An unreleased surveillance camera footage is said to have captured the fiery crash happen. It was there where they discovered a second car following the Corvette, slowing down upon impact, and fleeing the scene.
Crenshaw Boulevard from 135th Street to El Segundo Boulevard was shut down for investigation but reopened several hours later. No other information is available at the moment.
Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jose Padilla and Alvaro Martinez. May they rest in peace.
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