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Drunk Passenger Causes Tragic Crash When He Grabs The Wheel, Steers Into Tree

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(Photo by hxdbzxy via Shutterstock)

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A 7-year-old child and a drunk passenger were killed last night when the passenger grabbed the wheel of their SUV, causing it to wipe out and crash into a tree.

The crash occurred at 12:40 a.m. on the 91 freeway just west of Euclid Street, according to City News Service. The passenger, identified at 25-year-old Mario Lopezalaniz, apparently grabbed the wheel of the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo, causing the SUV to veer across freeway lanes and down an embankment, where it met the tree. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Ana Trujillo, was sober at the time. CHP officials are at a loss as to why Lopezalaniz interfered with Trujillo's steering, according to CNS.

Lopezalaniz was pronounced dead at the scene. The child, identified as Angel Granados, was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center where he died, according to CNS. Trujillo suffered moderate injuries and is expected to be okay.

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