Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
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.
5 Freeway Closed After Massive Fatal Street-Racing Crash Flips Semi Truck
The 5 Freeway is still closed after a massive crash in Commerce caused by street racing killed three people early Saturday morning.
Seven vehicles were involved in the deadly chain-reaction crash, forcing the California Highway Patrol to close the freeway in both directions until at least 1 pm, according to ABC 7.
The crash happened around midnight on the 5 near the Washington Boulevard exit. Apparently, two cars, a Dodge Charger and a Dodge Challenger, were racing on the southbound side of the road at about 90 miles an hour when one of the cars struck a UPS semi-truck. The semi lost control, flew across the center divider, and landed on top of a Nissan sedan with four occupants.
Several other cars crashed into the skidding wreckage, which burst into flames following the initial collision.
Support for LAist comes from
Two of the Nissan passengers and the UPS driver died at the scene. Five other people were hurt, including three who sustained serious injuries, according to CBS 2.
CHP announced they had arrested one man for his involvement in the crash this morning. According to City News Service, Dealio Lockart, 35, of Whittier, could face vehicular manslaughter charges.
Lockart, who was driving the Dodge Challenger, admitted he was racing, authorities said.
“He observed a similar looking vehicle, it caught his attention, and they began to race,” the CHP's Doris Peniche told CBS 2.
Investigators are still looking for the driver of the dark-colored Dodge Charger.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist