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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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2 Killed In Fiery Northridge Crash, Driver Charged With DUI

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Desirae Crystal Crittenden (Facebook)

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Two people were killed in a suspected drunken driving crash when two cars collided at an intersection in Northridge. Desirae Crystal Crittenden was driving north on Lindley Avenue at 3:30 a.m. in a 2005 Ford Mustang when a 2005 Honda Civic heading east on Roscoe Boulevard crashed into the driver's side of her car, according to ABC 7. Crittenden was pronounced dead at the scene. The Honda caught fire after the crash and four passengers were rushed to the hospital. One passenger was critically injured and was pronounced dead, KTLA reports.

The 21-year-old driver of the Honda has been arrested and charged on suspicion on driving under the influence, according to KTLA. Neighbors who live in the area said they saw officers picking up beer cans after the crash.

Friends of Crittenden says that she had borrowed her friend's Mustang to pick up food for a sorority sister, according to ABC 7. Delmy Bonilla, the mother of Crittenden's boyfriend said, "We were in shock. We couldn't believe it. We were at the store and my son went crazy."

KTLA spoke to Dwight Johnson, the father of a passenger who was riding with Crittenden. He said that though his daughter is physically fine, she's very distraught after losing a close friend. He said the crash happened very suddenly, "According to my daughter, they were laughing and talking and she said the next thing that she knew... she realized that someone had hit them."

Anyone with information was asked to contact LAPD Valley Traffic Det. Gamboa at (818) 644-8034 or Det. Bustos at (818) 644-8010.

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