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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.
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.
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“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.
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